Chief Denis Borges has been top cop with the Magee Police Department (MPD) for six months now. He had many short term goals in mind when he took the position. Many of those have come to fruition along with others.
“We are now in good standing with Mississippi Standards and Training. I have removed over 30 officers who were no longer employed here and have added all the officers that were not listed with Standards and Training.”
From day one Borges did away with the previous practice of allowing uncertified officers to patrol alone and mandated they must be accompanied by a certified officer during their shift as required by MST. Police officers now have Axon View taser cameras that increase accountability as they prevent deletion or tampering with the recorded video footage.
Borges is adamant about training and officer development as a priority in the department. A new Certified Training Officer provides continuous education and skill advancement. Two certified Field Training Officers are on staff to properly train new patrol officers. A part-time Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor has been hired to provide ongoing training and improve officer skills to reduce the possibility of excessive force incidents.
“Officers have been sent to specialized training courses, reinforcing the belief that ‘the more we train, the better we serve.’ Every officer is now certified in the use of stop sticks, giving them an essential tool to safely end vehicle pursuits. All officers have also been issued and trained on AR-15 rifles to ensure they are properly equipped for high-risk situations. Additionally, two new investigators have been appointed, and they have already demonstrated exceptional performance in their roles,” Borges stated.
Several operational changes have been made to improve accountability and efficiency. Borges explained, “Calls are now assigned directly to specific officers instead of waiting for an officer to respond, ensuring faster and more effective service. Officers are no longer allowed to transmit Social Security numbers over the radio to prevent sensitive information from being overheard by individuals with a scanner.” In addition, each shift now has two dispatchers instead of one.
Borges continued, “Evidence management has been significantly improved by implementing FBI-standard procedures, conducting regular audits, and appointing a full-time evidence custodian responsible for maintaining and transporting evidence. Background checks have been conducted on all current and new hires to ensure the highest standards in recruitment, reinforcing the principle that hiring quality officers over quantity is essential.”
In addition Magee PD has settled all outstanding debts with multiple vendors, some waiting for payment for years, according to Borges.
He continued, “Proactive patrolling has increased throughout the city, ensuring officers maintain a visible presence and respond more effectively to potential threats. These accomplishments reflect a commitment to strengthening the Magee Police Department and building a department that serves the community with professionalism, accountability, and dedication.
“A balanced leadership style has been implemented within the department, ensuring that while I maintain authority, officers are given the freedom to do their jobs without fear of unfair repercussions. Officers understand that I will stand behind them 100 percent as long as they are at least 51 percent correct. They also know that regardless of who they arrest, as long as the arrest is lawful and done properly, I will support them. No one is above the law, and the badge does not grant any officer extra rights.
Borges concluded, “Leadership, in my view, is about balance, like holding a butterfly, where the grip cannot be too tight or too loose. Officers want guidance, not dictatorship, and those who resist structure will naturally remove themselves. The department operates with a clear vision, strong structure, and a defined mission to ensure we continue moving forward.”
