5 Critical Updates On The Flowood MS Police Department You Need To Know In 2025

The Flowood MS Police Department (FPD) is currently undergoing a significant transition in leadership and strategy, making 2025 a pivotal year for law enforcement in Rankin County. Following the appointment of a new Chief of Police and a series of high-profile incidents in 2024, the department is doubling down on its commitment to being a proactive, service-oriented agency. This deep dive provides the most current, essential information on the FPD's leadership, structure, and ongoing commitment to community safety, moving beyond general knowledge to focus on recent developments.

Operating out of 2101 Airport Road, Suite B, the FPD serves as a vital component of the City of Flowood, Mississippi, ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors. The department prides itself on utilizing both time-tested methods and new, innovative approaches to crime prevention and enforcement, which contributes to the city’s consistently low crime rate. The recent changes at the top signal a renewed focus on professional standards and dedicated community service.

Flowood Police Department Leadership: Chief Eric Zetterholm Profile

The leadership of the Flowood Police Department has seen a significant change, with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen officially appointing a new head to oversee the city’s law enforcement operations. This new era is defined by the experience and background of the current Chief of Police.

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• Name: Eric Zetterholm
• Current Role: Chief of Police, Flowood Police Department
• Appointment: Appointed by the Flowood Mayor and Board of Aldermen (Date not publicly specified, but recent, succeeding former Chief McMillian).
• Predecessor: Chief McMillian
• Professional Background: A distinguished former member of the U.S. Marine Corps. His military background is expected to bring a disciplined and strategic approach to the department’s operations.
• Contact (Chief's Office): 601-420-3368
• Mission Focus: Maintaining the department's reputation as a service-oriented, proactive agency committed to quality service for the citizens of Flowood.

Chief Zetterholm's transition into the role marks a fresh start for the FPD, emphasizing strong leadership and a commitment to maintaining public trust. His experience as a U.S. Marine suggests a focus on operational efficiency and high standards of conduct for all officers and personnel.

Major Incidents and Investigations Defining 2024-2025

The Flowood Police Department has been at the forefront of several significant, high-profile incidents in 2024, demonstrating the intense and critical nature of modern police work. These events often involve coordination with state-level agencies, ensuring transparency and thorough investigation.

Recent Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS)

In 2024, the FPD was involved in at least two separate officer-involved shootings, a serious matter that requires immediate and independent oversight.

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• June 2024 Incident: Flowood officers responded to a call regarding a subject attempting to break into a residence. This encounter escalated, resulting in the death of one subject.
• February 2024 Incident: An earlier officer-involved shooting occurred, which, like all OIS cases in Mississippi, was immediately handed over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) for a thorough and impartial review.

The involvement of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) in these incidents is standard protocol, ensuring that the investigation is conducted outside of the local department. This process is crucial for public confidence and adherence to criminal justice standards.

I-55 Shooting Investigation

The Flowood Police Department has also been actively working on a shooting incident that occurred on Interstate 55 (I-55). Incidents of interstate violence pose unique challenges, often requiring multi-jurisdictional collaboration with the Rankin County Sheriff's Department and other state agencies. The department’s quick response and ongoing investigation into this type of violent crime highlight its dedication to securing major transportation corridors within its jurisdiction.

FPD’s Proactive Structure and Community Policing Initiatives

The Flowood Police Department is structured to be proactive, focusing on crime prevention through visible patrol and strong community engagement. This organizational philosophy is key to maintaining Flowood's reputation for having a low crime rate.

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The Patrol Division: The Backbone of Flowood Safety

The Patrol Division is the most visible arm of the FPD. These dedicated officers operate on a rigorous schedule and cover specific geographical areas to maximize their effectiveness:

• Shift Schedule: Officers work 12-hour shifts, ensuring continuous coverage around the clock. [cite: 5 (from step 2)]
• Patrol Beats: The city is divided into five distinct patrol beats. This strategic division allows officers to maintain a high level of visible police presence, which is a core strategy for reducing criminal activity. [cite: 5 (from step 2)]
• Traffic Enforcement: A major focus of the Patrol Division is traffic enforcement, particularly on major arteries like Airport Road and the surrounding commercial areas, which see high traffic volume.

Key Community Outreach Programs

Community policing is a cornerstone of the FPD's mission. The department runs several programs aimed at building trust and improving communication between first responders and the public.

1. The D.A.R.E. Program

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program remains an important initiative. Certified, uniformed FPD officers enter the classroom at Flowood Elementary School to deliver a curriculum-based learning strategy. This early intervention helps educate young students on the dangers of drug abuse and violence, fostering a positive relationship with law enforcement from a young age.

2. 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Campaigns

The FPD regularly participates in national and state-level enforcement campaigns, such as the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative. These campaigns, often conducted during holiday periods, are critical for reducing impaired driving and enhancing road safety for all citizens of Rankin County.

3. Voluntary Community Safety Initiatives

The department has implemented a voluntary initiative designed to improve safety and enhance communication between first responders and specific members of the community. While details are often kept private for security, these programs typically involve registering information (such as medical conditions or special needs) that can assist officers during emergency response, ensuring a more tailored and effective approach in critical situations.

The Future of Law Enforcement in Flowood, MS

Under the new leadership of Chief Eric Zetterholm, the Flowood Police Department is poised to continue its tradition of being a proactive and professional agency. The commitment to state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated employees is what allows Flowood to maintain its low crime rate, even as the surrounding Central Mississippi area continues to grow.

Citizens can expect an ongoing emphasis on transparency, especially concerning major events like the officer-involved shootings investigated by the MBI. The department's continued investment in community policing—from the D.A.R.E. program to high-visibility patrol beats—ensures that the Flowood Police Department remains deeply connected to the community it serves. For non-emergency inquiries, the main police department number is 601-932-5400, serving as the primary point of contact for the public.