By Drew’s Cop Shop Staff
In a wide-ranging interview, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell shared insights into his journey, the progress achieved under his leadership, and the challenges ahead for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP).
Early Focus and Leadership Transition
Commissioner Tindell’s public service career began with a focus on public safety, both as a legislator and a prosecutor. His experience managing the DPS budget as a member of the appropriations subcommittee provided valuable familiarity with the agency. However, his transition into the commissioner role in June 2020 came at a particularly tumultuous time. Amid the George Floyd protests, COVID-19 shutdowns, and operational challenges like closed driver service bureaus, Tindell took the helm with a commitment to accountability and community engagement.
“I didn’t come in with a heavy set agenda,” Tindell explained. Instead, he emphasized collaboration, support for law enforcement, and improving the agency’s accountability culture. This balance, he noted, was critical to fostering trust both within the department and with the public.
Key Achievements
One of Tindell’s priorities was improving the department’s efficiency and addressing critical backlogs. He highlighted several notable accomplishments:
- Reducing Wait Times: Average wait times at driver service bureaus, which once reached over three hours, have been reduced to under 30 minutes.
- Clearing Backlogs: A longstanding backlog of over 2,000 autopsy reports, some dating back to 2010, was eliminated.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Tindell has prioritized outreach to local law enforcement, including regular participation in conferences for sheriffs, police chiefs, and prosecutors, and hosting a public safety summit to foster statewide collaboration.
Modernizing Law Enforcement
Tindell spoke about preparing the MHP and DPS for the future. Autonomous vehicles and evolving technologies pose unique challenges, requiring a reevaluation of training and operations. He cited plans to establish a study committee to recommend legislative changes and strategies for adapting to future needs.
“We have to ask ourselves, what role is the Highway Patrol going to play in the future?” he said, drawing comparisons to industries like retail, which failed to adapt to technological shifts.
Recruitment and diversity also remain central to Tindell’s strategy. Under his leadership, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) began hiring outside agents, doubling the number of female agents. The latest cadet class also includes 15 female recruits—the largest number since Tindell took office.
Addressing Critical Issues
On combating drug and human trafficking, Tindell described a more integrated approach, with various divisions like MBI, Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Narcotics sharing resources and intelligence. A new headquarters will soon house all divisions under one roof, streamlining coordination.
Mental health and wellness for law enforcement officers are also key priorities. Tindell supports peer support programs and continuing education initiatives to address mental health challenges in the field. He also advocates for manageable workloads, emphasizing the importance of rest and recovery for optimal performance.
Looking Ahead
Tindell’s vision for DPS includes embracing technological advancements, enhancing recruitment strategies, and continuing to improve public safety outcomes. He also supports body-worn cameras for troopers, viewing them as a tool to protect both officers and the public.
“The best days of Highway Patrol are ahead,” Tindell stated, expressing optimism for the agency’s future. He attributed this to collaborative leadership and the dedication of the men and women of DPS.
