MS HB402

Two or more municipalities in the same county may establish a joint municipal police department by resolution if their governing authorities determine it serves the municipalities' best interests.

Joint departments are governed by a board composed of the mayor from each participating municipality and the county sheriff, meeting at least quarterly.

Board has authority to hire a police commissioner, set budgets, purchase equipment and property, adopt bylaws, sue and be sued, and make contracts necessary to operate the joint department.

Municipalities must file an application with the Secretary of State including member names, board member information, and a $50 filing fee; joint department becomes a public body corporate upon certification.

Each participating municipality funds the joint department proportionally based on population, and county boards of supervisors may provide additional funding; joint department has law enforcement jurisdiction across all member municipalities.