We are proud to announce that the Pearl Police Department Officer of the Month is Officer Randy Newell. He is a native of Meridian where he graduated from Meridian High School and Meridian Community College. Randy obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing at the University of West Alabama. He began his law enforcement career in June 1993 with the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks where he worked as a conservation officer in Rankin County as well as a Public Relations Officer for the state of Mississippi. He was also the host of Mississippi Outdoors television program and Mississippi Outdoors radio. He was employed with the MS Department of Wildlife for 25 years. Newell also worked at the Flowood Police Department for 11 years and began working at the Pearl PD in February 2017 where he presently works as a patrol officer. Randy has been honored to serve the public through the years but he feels that his greatest accomplishments in life have been his son, Addison and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
On February 24, 2018, at approximately 1:45 am, officers with the Pearl PD were conducting a safety checkpoint on Highway 80 near the Jackson city limits. During the checkpoint, a yellow Camaro approached the checkpoint. Officer Randy Newell asked for the individual’s driver’s license. Unable to provide one, Officer Newell became suspicious of the behavior of the actions of both the passenger and driver. Remaining calm and able to work under pressure, Officer Newell asked other officers to assist him. After checking the driver’s license through the National Crime Information Computer, it was learned that the passenger had an active warrant for homicide through Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee. With the direction of Officer Newell, officers were able to assist in the removal of the wanted suspect from the vehicle and place him into custody without incident. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the custody of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. This is just one example of how Officer Newell exemplifies dedication to his job and his ability to remain calm under pressure when faced with a harmful threat to society standing before him. Officer Newell is an asset to this city for his service and commitment to public safety.