First Female Police Chief For Gulf Coast City

By Diana Lucio Reporter

A new addition to one Gulf Coast police department made history this week. First Female Police Chief For Gulf Coast City

Published: Fri, June 27, 2008 - 10:24 pm

Diana Lucio

With over 20 years in law enforcement Sheila Smallman has worked for several police departments, but as moss point's first female Chief of Police she can now call this one her own. "I feel that over the years I've improved a lot I've gained a lot of knowledge and I'm still learning,"Said Chief Smallman. That's what Moss Point's Mayor Xavier Bishop says got Smallman the job."We thought it was important to have someone on board and particularly someone in the police department who could grow with the city, who could change with the city as we head into a new direction,"Said Mayor Bishop. While adding Smallman to the department is a historic achievement, there are still some areas the city hopes to work on. "We've been challenged to stay abreast of our staffing needs, but in no instance are we at a point where we could not adequately serve the public,"Said the River City's Mayor. But Smallman says she hopes to add more to her force. "I've had a lot of applicants come through the door and we're in the process of doing background checks as we speak," Said Smallman.
Chief Smallman says the department has received almost 15 applicantions so far. The city says the starting annual salary for a police officer is $25,000.
Smallman hopes to increase officer salary and get new equipment for the staff.