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From
the City's incorporation in 1900 to 1949, law enforcement efforts
were directed by the City Marshal. John B. Stephens, Sr., the first
City Marshal, was paid $37.50 a month as well as all fines collected,
up to $60.00. The Marshal was assisted by one police officer who received
$30.00 a month and fines up to $45.00. At some later date, a second
officer was added. Additionally, during this era, a night watchman
was employed to protect the citizens from fires and burglars.
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On May 17, 1949, W. T. Harris
was appointed as Mount Pleasant's first Chief of Police. In
1950, Chief Harris was earning $2,700 a year while supervising
four officers who were paid $2,100 each. Total departmental
budget for the year was reported to be $12,789.20. |
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The department's longest-serving chief, B. C.
Sustaire took charge on July 22, 1955. His annual salary was
$3,400 and reports indicate a salary of $2,400 for just two
officers. A technological advance was achieved on March 6, 1956,
when the first two-way radios were placed in service. Prior
to obtaining the radios, officers had to watch for a red light
atop a police phone box. This light alerted them to call the
station for instructions. |
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Conrad Mars became the department's third chief
in October, 1984, following Chief Sustaire's retirement. At
that time the department's annual budget was $700,000. During
his tenure additional personnel and equipment were added. The
first records division was organized and formal training for
officers was begun. |
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Mars' successor was Ted W. Gibson, who came to
the department in January 1994. By then the department employed
40 persons, 29 of whom were sworn officers. Features of Chief
Gibson's tenure included Community Policing, Bicycle Patrol,
a Police Honor Guard, and a S.W.A.T. team. A budget in excess
f $1.4 million was required for the department's operation. |
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Richard Parker became Mount
Pleasant's fifth Chief of Police in January 1999 and served
until July 2004. He focused departmental efforts on increased
citizen involvement. Examples of this effort include the
development and nurturing of a very successful Police Explorer
program, Community Policing endeavors, and the Citizen's
Police Academy. Additionally, Crime Watch and Crime Stoppers
programs are active, and an open communication process has
been established, both within and outside the department.
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J. C. (Jay) Burch was appointed the sixth Chief
of Police in Mount Pleasant in January 2005 and currently oversees
the operations and activities of more than 45 sworn and non-sworn
employees of the police department and animal control. Chief
Burch started his police career in DeSoto, Texas in 1989 and
was police chief in Gatesville, Texas, prior to coming to Mount
Pleasant. Since joining the department, Chief Burch has established a tradition of having highly trained and professional employees. MPPD has joined the Character First program focusing on employee quality and character. Chief Burch reinstated SWAT program that has become one of the best in the region. In addition, he added two K-9 Teams to work with patrol in criminal and drug enforcement. In October 2008, MPPD became only the 9th agency in the state to gain Recognized Law Enforcement Agency status. In 2009, two new officer positions were added to the department as well as establishing the Special Crimes Unit (SCU). SCU works with patrol and CID to target specific criminal activity in the City. |
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