The Gulfport Police Department said in a Facebook post that officers visited West Elementary to spend time with students, share toys and build community ties, and that the department’s puppies “completely stole the show.”
The department said the visit included games, laughter and interactions that went beyond traditional law enforcement duties. It said moments like the visit help build trust and create positive memories for children.
Community policing emphasizes proactive engagement with residents, particularly young people, to strengthen relationships between officers and the communities they serve. Such school visits are a common tool departments use to show officers are available for both crises and everyday interactions.
The Gulfport Police Department thanked staff and students at West Elementary for the warm welcome. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."
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