New SPD police chief sworn in

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – As we close out 2019, the Starkville Police Department is ushering in a new era.

On the front steps of SPD, Mark Ballard was sworn-in as the next chief of police.

He has been with the agency since 1996.

Most recently he served as Police Administrative Division Commander.

Frank Nichols is retiring after five years of leading the department.

Ballard says he wants to prepare the next generation of law enforcement to join SPD.

“I think the number one priority is to grow and develop a very young police force in the right manner. That’s why I touched on those points of leadership. I think that leadership, if they are good leaders, I think that’s going to make my job a lot easier,” said Ballard.

“I feel confident, there is no doubt in my mind that there is good leadership at the Starkville Police Department. I’ve worked alongside Chief Ballard for the last 20 years. So, I know the type of person he is. I know his expectations, and I know his ability to lead this department,” said Nichols.

Nichols did his final radio call after the ceremony.

He had been with the department since 1992.