PHIL BRYANT ‘GOVERNOR July 28, 2015 Mr. Albert Santa Cruz, Commissioner Mississippi Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205 Dear Commissioner Santa Cruz: Consistent with my responsibilities as Governor to protect the safety of the citizens of Mississippi, I ask you to implement a policy encouraging all sworn law enforcement officers of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mi jureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and any other sworn officer who falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety to carry their service weapons while off duty. Ensuring the safety of Mississippians is a chief concer, and this responsibility is heightened in the wake of tragedies that have occurred throughout the nation. This policy will allow highly trained, sworn law enforcement officers under the jurisdiction of DPS the ability to respond should a threat to public safety arise in a Mississippi community. I have the utmost confidence in the rigorous firearms training DPS provides to its sworn officers and know that these men and ‘women have extensive experience in how to safely carry and operate their service weapons. My administration supports the highest possible public safety standards. Accordingly, DPS should promptly notify all sworn officers under its jurisdiction of this policy. Sincere] Phil: GOVERNOR, STATE OF MISSISSIPPI * OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, POST OFFICE BOX 139 « JACKSON, MISSISSIPP 39205 # TELEPHONE: (601) 359-3150 # FAX: (601) 359-3741 # www governorhryant.com