The Picayune Police Department made 933 arrests in 2024, an increase from 918 in 2023, with notable changes in specific crime categories. While arrests for shoplifting (+15), fraud offenses (+44), and trespassing (+36) rose, drug offenses (-25) and DUIs (-25) saw decreases. An additional 20 DUI arrests were made by a Sheriff’s Department DUI officer, enabling city officers to remain available for other calls while ensuring impaired drivers were taken off the road.

Violent offenses showed mixed trends in 2024. Homicides decreased to one compared to two in 2023, although the year also included a murder-suicide. Robberies declined from one in 2023 to none in 2024, and aggravated assaults dropped from 16 to 12. Reports of sex crimes remained steady at two incidents for both years.

Over three years, arrests have increased by 498 since 2021, while calls for service have decreased by 2,392, reflecting what officials attribute to proactive policing. Officers responded to 15,676 calls in 2024, down from 17,595 in 2023. Increases were noted in domestic matters (+70), shoplifting (+87), and trespassing (+44), while reports of suspicious persons or vehicles (-438), assaults (-40), and residential burglaries (-22) declined.

The department’s Special Operations Division executed 24 search warrants in 2024, resulting in 177 arrests. Among these, charges included 60 counts of felony drug possession, 21 for possession with intent to distribute, five for drug trafficking, and two for aggravated drug trafficking. Weapons charges and misdemeanor offenses were also part of the unit’s efforts.

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigated 155 cases and made 62 arrests, achieving a 40% clearance rate, which officials noted is above average. High-profile investigations included a murder-suicide at Highland Community Hospital, a fatal stabbing on East Canal Street, a shooting incident on 3rd Street resulting in multiple arrests, and threats to Pearl River County Chancery Court, which led to a terroristic threats charge. The division also addressed commercial burglaries at vape stores, charging several juveniles.

Traffic incidents remained a significant focus, with 514 crashes reported in 2024 compared to 477 in 2023. An additional 276 crashes occurred on private property.

Community engagement remained a priority for the department, which hosted events such as its two-week Summer Youth Camp, Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, and Shop With a Cop. New initiatives like Wal-Mart’s “Paint a Pumpkin with a Cop” event around Halloween also saw strong participation. Officials expressed excitement about continuing these programs and introducing new ones in 2025.