Tom Long, Southaven’s first hired officer, honored for decades of leadership
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Tom Long, the first police officer hired by the Southaven Police Department and its chief for 27 years, is being recognized for his foundational role in shaping the city’s law enforcement legacy.
Long, who retired in 2016, was appointed Chief of Police in 1989 at the age of 35. His career began in 1977 with the Memphis Police Department, followed by a move to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department in 1979. In 1980, he became the inaugural officer for the newly-incorporated Southaven Police Department.
Long’s rapid ascent included completing the prestigious FBI National Academy in 1985 and rising to the rank of captain before taking charge as chief.
Navigating Explosive Growth
Long’s tenure as chief mirrored Southaven’s boom as one of America’s fastest-growing cities. From the 1990s until his retirement, he managed the immense demands placed on police operations by:
- Rapid population explosions
- Multiple city annexations
- Widespread economic development
- A high volume of transient traffic
He navigated this “uncharted waters” by prioritizing professional standards and advanced training, establishing a reputation for the department that persists today.
A Legacy of Training and Standards
Chief Long is credited with laying the groundwork for the department’s “zero-tolerance” crime policy. His leadership efforts, highlighted in a recent “Mayor Report” blog post by Mayor Darren Musselwhite, include:
- Model Professionalism: Built the department to be respected regionally as a model for advanced skills and tactical training.
- National Training: Founded the Tactical Officer Survival School in 1993, sharing specialized weapons and tactical operations knowledge with military personnel and other law enforcement agencies nationwide.
- Mentoring “Giants”: Long believed in lifting future leaders by having them ride on the backs of “giants.” This philosophy proved successful, as all future Southaven police chiefs to date were trained by him.
“One of the Greatest Giants”
In his post on the official city website, Mayor Musselwhite praised Long’s selfless leadership and lasting impact.
“Sir, not only did you achieve ‘giant’ status, but you are truly one of the greatest ‘giants’ in Southaven’s history!” Musselwhite wrote.
