Not surprising to the residents of this quaint town, the Oxford crime rate remains one of the lowest in the state of Mississippi and is well below the national average. The low crime statistics in Oxford and Lafayette County contribute to the numerous factors that make Oxford an ideal place to raise a family. With nearly 90 officers total, Oxford and Lafayette County are well served by its respected law enforcement teams.
The Oxford Police Department is housed at 715 Molly Barr Rd. Oxford’s chief of police is Joey East. Chief East’s department has just over 70 full-time sworn officers and staff, as well as 15 part-time certified officers who provide a wide range of protection and enforcement services.
The police department has a community-oriented policing philosophy and provides around-the-clock patrols. Other services include unique programs, such as their Citizens Police Academy and D.A.R.E.
The department has several specialized units such as the K-9 Unit, Community Housing Officers, Investigations, DUI Enforcement, SWAT and Mounted Patrol. There is also a combined partnership with the county, city and University for a Metro-Narcotics unit that specializes in narcotic investigations.
In December 2012, the Oxford Police Department was awarded Certification of Accreditation by the Mississippi Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The Oxford Police Department completed the three-year preparation process in just two years in order to meet the qualifications as outlined by the accreditation commission. Following this award, the Oxford Police Department received a national Certification of Recognition by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. at the commission’s conference in March 2013. The department is now in its second year of pursing tier one accreditation on a national level through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s office is housed at 711 Jackson Ave. East. The sheriff’s office keeps the peace within the jurisdiction of Lafayette County. Due to the population growth of Lafayette County, the sheriff department now employs 26 deputies working four 12-hour shifts. The Lafayette County Sheriff, Buddy East, is elected by the community at large, and has been in office since 1972.
Lafayette County is also home to several regional and federal agencies that serve our community on a local, state and national level.
Welcome from the Chief of Police
Welcome to the City of Oxford, Mississippi! This is my favorite place on earth and I am sure that after a little while, it will be your favorite place as well. Although I oversee the Oxford Police Department, I am just like you. I have a family here and children. There is nothing I like better than to bring people here and show off how great it is in Oxford. We have some of the top schools and lowest crime rates in the state.
I take pride in my town, and so does my staff. And we hope that you will grow to do the same. We want to keep Oxford a diverse, vibrant and safe town. And every one of you plays a part in that. We are here to serve and help you, so please, do not hesitate to contact the department for anything.
Welcome again,
Joey East
Chief of Police