DeSoto County law enforcement prepares for federal task force in Memphis
DeSoto County law enforcement leaders are ready and on high alert following Monday’s announcement that a federal task force will be deployed to Memphis to combat rising crime. DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle, along with several top law enforcement leaders from the county, held a news conference early Monday evening to reassure residents that their safety is the top priority.
“I want to assure every citizen of DeSoto County that your safety is our top priority,” Sheriff Tuggle stated. “We are fully prepared to protect our community from any criminal activity that attempts to spill across our county line.”
Proactive Measures and Warnings
The Sheriff’s Department has already contacted the Mississippi Department of Corrections to request the removal of all state prisoners from the county Adult Detention Center. This action, Tuggle explained, is intended to create additional space in the county’s correctional facility in anticipation of potential arrests.
The sheriff issued a stern warning to anyone considering bringing criminal activity into DeSoto County. “If you come into DeSoto County to commit a crime, you will be arrested. Your vehicle will be towed, and you will go to jail. Period.”
When asked if this preparation indicates an expectation of a significant number of arrests, Tuggle was clear. “We don’t expect any nonsense. We don’t expect anybody coming here and committing crime. But if they come here, we’re going to hold them accountable, period.”
Strong Partnerships and Local Leadership
Sheriff Tuggle highlighted the close working relationship DeSoto County has with federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals and the FBI. He mentioned being in contact with U.S. Marshal Tyrese Miller and emphasized that these existing partnerships are key to their strategy.
While federal agencies will lead the overall task force, Tuggle made it clear that DeSoto County will take the lead on any crimes committed within its borders. “This is the President’s task force, so of course, the federal agencies are lead,” he said. “But in this county, if there’s a crime that is committed, we’re going to take the lead.”
The police chiefs present at the conference—including Jaylin James (Walls), Assistant Chief Carlos Garcia (Olive Branch), Nikki Pullen (Horn Lake), and Shane Ellis (Hernando)—stood in a show of unity. Sheriff Tuggle noted that the local chiefs meet monthly to prepare for such events, adding that Southaven police chief Seth Kern was not able to attend Monday’s news conference.
“We’re united in this,” Tuggle said. “It brings me comfort to have them standing here with me, knowing that this is what we do monthly as a group, but we do every day as law enforcement professionals.”
Community Trust and Remaining Vigilant
The sheriff concluded by underscoring the importance of community trust as a critical crime-fighting tool. “The number one crime fighting tool we have available to us is public trust,” he said, encouraging residents to report anything suspicious. “A simple phone call has solved some of the most complex crimes in history.”
DeSoto County has not been asked to directly assist with operations in Shelby County, but officials said they would be ready to offer resources if needed. For now, their focus remains steadfast on protecting their own community.
“We are very, very assertive and aggressive when it comes to keeping crime down,” Tuggle stated. “If you come to DeSoto County, you’re going to adjust to us. We’re not adjusting to you.”
