A major leadership vacancy in the Mississippi Highway Patrol has been filled.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell announced Captain James Ivory III as the newest lieutenant colonel of the MHP.
Ivory has served in various positions within DPS for 24 years. Most recently, he served as the captain at Troop K in Biloxi, the second-largest district in the state, since September 2020.
Prior to his stint on the Coast, he was captain at Troop H in Meridian, a special agent with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, a deputy with Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and a second-class petty officer in the U.S. Navy.
Throughout Ivory’s career, he has completed many hours of training in multiple courses, including FBI crisis negotiations, conflict resolution, intentional leadership, officer-involved shootings, and federal motor carrier safety inspector.
“I congratulate Captain Ivory on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel of the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “Captain Ivory has worn the badge for nearly a quarter of a century and has distinguished himself in multiple roles with DPS. His wealth of experience and expertise makes him a perfect fit for this new role, and I know he will continue to honorably protect and serve the people of our great state.”
Beginning March 1, Ivory will officially fill the vacancy left by Charles Haynes who was promoted to colonel of the MHP following Randy Ginn’s retirement. The two will work alongside one another.
“Congratulations to James Ivory on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel of the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” Tindell said. “With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, plus service in the United States Navy, I have full confidence in his ability to support Colonel Charles Haynes in leading and advancing the men and women of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of MHP.”
