Chief Jeff McCutchen of the Oxford Police Department detailed several key initiatives aimed at improving victim support and enhancing police effectiveness during the Oxford and Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Coffee & Conversation event last week.

His address focused on the department’s response to rising domestic abuse cases and the strategic improvements implemented since the COVID-19 pandemic.

McCutchen highlighted the surge in domestic violence cases during the pandemic, which resulted in a troubling increase in domestic-related homicides within the community.

“So we went back to the drawing board and said, ‘Why are we not getting resolutions on some of these violent offenders? Why are we having these misdemeanor repeat offenses, and then seeing it over and over and over again, with these victims staying on this path,” he said.

To address these issues, the department revisited its approach to handling violent offenders and supporting victims.

One significant development is the introduction of a new victim services model spearheaded by Valerie Booth, a social worker who initially joined the department as a clerk.

With funding from a 10-week FBI training course for Victim Services Coordinators, Booth launched a comprehensive support system for victims of violent crimes. This model ensures that victims receive immediate resources and guidance, which was lacking in previous systems that left individuals to navigate the legal process on their own.

“They lay out the procedures in front of them — Here’s what to expect over the next several days, here are all your resources, here are your community partners that can pitch in with you, here are safe locations that we can take you and then let’s talk about moving forward because if we don’t get these people in front of a judge, get these convictions, then the cycle just keeps repeating itself,” McCutchen said.

In addition to victim support, McCutchen discussed the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance police training and operational effectiveness.

The creation of a dedicated downtown district in 2015 aimed to address inconsistencies in policing by assigning full-time officers to manage the area’s unique challenges.

This specialized team is trained to handle a range of issues in high-traffic areas, from managing public intoxication to preventing potential crimes.

“You have to have a certain personality and enjoy dealing with the public,” McCutchen said. “You are standing on a corner and you’re super approachable. People ask about restaurants and their rideshares, or whatever they want to talk about.

“But you better be very good on your feet. A fight can break out in front of you. But you also better be thinking about who just left a backpack or a package in a garbage can. You better be on your feet looking for DUI drivers coming down the road the wrong way.”

The department also continues to lead the state in DUI enforcement training.

“Oxford runs the DUI grant for the entire state,” he said. “If you have an officer in Mississippi that is trained in field sobriety … all that comes through the city of Oxford.”

McCutchen emphasized the importance of collecting accurate evidence, such as blood samples, to ensure justice for victims. The program supports training for officers and facilitates the use of advanced techniques to improve evidence collection.

He highlighted the department’s core values of communication, connection, and culture. He emphasized the importance of effective communication, meticulous police reports, and proper crime scene management.

Additionally, the department invests in leadership training and wellness programs for officers to ensure they are well-prepared and supported in their roles.

McCutchen shared OPD’s mission statement –“To serve with wisdom and to create a safe and connected community.”

“I can train a person to be a good officer, but I cannot train them to be good people,” McCutchen said. “We look for good people then we will teach them the law, teach them procedures.

“Everything hinges on that mission statement. If I serve them well, then they will serve with wisdom and compassion.”