Spotlight: Sergeant Jeff Bell

OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sergeant Jeff Bell has been a devout public servant to the city of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department for 38 and a half years. Sergeant Bell served the citizens of Oxford as a patrol officer for 25 years before transitioning into a role as a Warrant Officer assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.

The Weaver, Alabama native began his career in his hometown in 1981 before joining the Oxford Police Department in 1983 under the leadership of Chief Stanley Merrill. Current Oxford Chief of Police, Bill Partridge, said, “Chief Merrill saw something special in Sergeant Bell, and he was right. Sergeant Bell has dedicated his life to the citizens of Oxford. He is a true public servant whose dedication is unmatched.”

The Oxford Access team had the chance to talk with Sergeant Bell and learn more about his career, a career he describes as ‘gratifying.’

What got you interested in a career in law enforcement?

It is a desire to help people and the community. Once you do it, it gets in your blood, and you want to help as much as possible.

How does being a patrol officer differ from being a Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigations Division?

Doing patrol entails a wide variety of things while working as a Warrant Officer allows you to specialize in what you do. You get to gain interest and sharpen your skills in that interest.

What does a day-to-day workday look like for you?

We deal with a lot of theft and drug cases. Most of the thefts stimulate from drug cases.

What has been one of your most memorable moments while working at the Oxford Police Department?

Wow, that is a tough one. The first thing that comes to mind includes apprehending a bank robber. A call came through dispatch to be on the look-out for a bank robber, so I began patrolling around town, watching the different banks. I happened to drive up on the suspect walking into a bank. I called dispatch to get in touch with the bank, and right when I did, the bank alarm went off. The guy came out of the bank through the drive-thru, and I was blocking it. As he came walking out, I had him at gunpoint. He dropped the money and took off running around the bank, initiating a foot pursuit. I was able to communicate with another unit as I was chasing him on foot, and they stopped him. That was one of the most memorable moments I have had.

What brings you the most joy being in law enforcement?

It is all about people. I enjoy being around the people I work with and the people we get to help.

What is the greatest struggle being in law enforcement?

Well, things have changed a lot since I started in the early ’80s, but it used to be raising a family on a police officer’s salary. Police officers make more of what they deserve now, and I am happy for the younger officers because they deserve it.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about going into law enforcement or someone new in law enforcement?

I encourage people when they come in to do right and be careful because there’s a lot of bad folks in the world now. It wasn’t as bad when I came in, or at least it didn’t seem to be. So I tell young officers to work smart and watch their back.

What has been the most significant change since you began your career?

Technology is, by far, the most significant change. We even have the East Metro Area Crime Center here in Oxford now, and I marvel every time I go there.

Who would you like to thank in regards to your career?

My parents always encouraged me to go after this dream, so I am thankful for them. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without my wife and kids; they have always supported me. Then Chief Merrill for giving me a job and Chief Partridge for giving me opportunities to advance.

What would you like to add about the Oxford Police Department?

We have a lot of great people that work for this department, and I want them to stay safe.

By Taylor Sloan