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My Priorities as Sheriff 

  • Building trust by listening, learning, and working together.

    •  Regular community meetings

    • Transparency through policy & law updates

    • Strong partnerships between deputies and citizens

  • Safer schools and stronger support for our kids.

    • Support for School Resource Officers

    • Closer collaboration with teachers & administrators

    • Programs for safety, mentorship, and youth engagement

  • Prepare today’s deputies to be tomorrow’s leaders.

    • Standardized leadership training for all ranks

    • Courses modeled after law enforcement, military, and private sector best practices

    • Promoting integrity, accountability, and excellence

  • A modern, accountable Sheriff’s Office.

    • Fair, transparent promotional process

    • Clear job and rank expectations

    • Annual evaluations tied to performance and growth

  • Establish a fair, transparent, and merit-based path for advancement.

    • Implement written testing based on county and department policy

    • Introduce structured, scenario-based interview panels

    • Conduct final administrative interviews to evaluate leadership readiness

  • Develop a highly skilled, professional workforce prepared to lead with confidence and integrity.

    • Launch a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS)

    • Build a Training Resource Library (books, videos, podcasts, reference material)

    • Maintain a year-round in-service training calendar

    • Certify internal instructors to expand training capacity

    • Position LCSO as a regional hub for advanced law enforcement training

  • Increase accountability, clarity, and professional development opportunities.

    • Clearly outline duties and responsibilities for every rank

    • Define reporting lines to reinforce organizational structure

    • Provide deputies with clear career path expectations and advancement requirements

  • Retain high-performing personnel and reward excellence.

    • Conduct annual performance reviews tied to raises and promotions

    • Launch recognition programs (Deputy of the Year, Unit Awards, Leadership Awards)

    • Expand career progression opportunities including lateral assignments and promotional development tracks

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Public safety is not just about enforcing the law. It is about building relationships, it is about leadership, and it is about preparing today’s Deputies to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

A historic courthouse with a domed roof in a city setting, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and sidewalk, under a partly cloudy sky. 
-James Murray
Lamar County, Mississippi, logo with a pine cone, mountains, and text, gold and brown colors.
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Lifetime of Service 

I have spent years serving in law enforcement and I bring 25 years of experience to this campaign. I’ve NEVER been afraid to lead from the front, make difficult decisions, or stand firm for what is right. I have spent years serving the people of Lamar County with dedication,professionalism, and integrity.

My career began at the Hattiesburg Police Department in 1997, where I graduated at the top of my academy class, earning the Leadership Award and being voted Class President by my peers. In 2004, I joined the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department, where I served until my retirement in 2022.

I am a Christian, a husband, a father, and a grandfather, and I believe strong families and strong communities are the foundation of public safety.

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Leadership in Service,
Driven by Integrity, Defined by Accountability
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