Video: Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies Keep The Peace

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LEE COUNTY Miss. (WCBI) — Day and night, they do it…play enforcers, parents, peace keepers, good Samaritans and even counselors. But almost to a man and woman, law enforcement officers say they do it because it’s what they love. WCBI’s Allie Martin takes us on the streets with Lee County Sheriff’s deputies for a look at what their lives are like.

It’s 6 o clock Friday night, and the Adam Shift for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department is starting its 12-hour patrol.

Six-year veteran Mitchell Bridges is patrolling zone four and believes he spots a drug dealer. But by the time he turns his Tahoe around, the suspect is gone.

“That’s the thing about these county roads, you got so many turn offs, if you are not right on them, you will lose them every time,” Deputy Bridges said.

Before joining the sheriff’s department, Bridges owned a fitness center, but he says nothing compares to law enforcement.

“I’ve never had the same day twice, I mean, sure I answer calls and patrol the roads, but I never answer the same call, it’s always something different, every traffic stop is different, it keeps you alert, on your toes,” Deputy Bridges said.

Four hours in, we catch up with Deputy Rachel Chambers, just out of the police academy last summer and the department’s only female deputy.

“You have to have a lot of stamina, you never know what your shift is going to be like. You can’t just stop and take a break , when you have emergency calls coming out, over and over again,” Deputy Chambers said.

Moments later, Chambers notices a car without a light for the license plate. The driver admits to having a beer with dinner. He passes a field sobriety test but then shares some additional information.

“Another reason my speech might be slurred, my doctor changed my prescription,” the motorist said.

The driver is taken to jail and Deputy Chambers allows a licensed driver to take the car, avoiding a towing fee.

“The pills were prescribed to him, however it is illegal to operate a vehicle while you’re on any type of narcotic,” Deputy Chambers remarked.

By 2 in the morning, 16 people have been brought to the Lee County Jail, most on alcohol-related issues. Deputies say that’s not unusual as the weekend begins.

Moments later, Deputy Seth Thomas spots two suspicious cars parked along a road known for drug activity.

Five people, ages 18 to 21, are in one car. Thomas notices a strong odor of marijuana when he searches the vehicle. Four of the five are busted for offenses ranging from public intoxication to possession.

The incident is part of both his joy and his frustration; he hates seeing so many young people in trouble, but he wants the chance to make a difference.

“That’s one reason I like doing what I like doing cause I like to try to talk to people, maybe I can help that one person, change his life,” Deputy Thomas said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department employs 44 deputies.