Law Enforcement

LAW & ORDER

The Lafayette-Oxford-University community has five law enforcement agencies working around the clock to make sure it stays a safe place for its citizens. The Oxford Police Department covers the city limits with interim Chief Jeff McCutchen heading the department. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is headed by interim Sheriff John Hill. With just five deputies on each shift, the Sheriff’s Department patrols all of Lafayette County outside of the city limits. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit was formed as a partnership with Oxford and Lafayette County police departments. The unit handles most of the area’s major drug cases. The University of Mississippi Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order on the campus and only has jurisdiction there. Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop E patrols the area’s highways, which include highways 6, 7, 9 and 30.

AREA COURTS

MUNICIPAL COURT The Municipal Court is the judicial body responsible for adjudicating criminal misdemeanor offenses involving city ordinances and state statute. The court is based in the courtroom of City Hall on the Square. To find out about ticket fees, court dates or driving school, call 662-232-2320.

JUSTICE COURT The Justice Court of Lafayette County hears misdemeanor cases from the county and the University of Mississippi as well as handles payments for all traffic tickets given out by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, the University Police Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Civil cases involving less than $2,500 from the city, county and university are heard at Justice Court. Judges can also perform marriages. Notary services are available. Located at 713 Jackson Ave. Call 662234-1545 for more information.

CHANCERY COURT The Chancery Court hears all matters in equity; divorce and alimony cases; matters testamentary and of administration; youth court; and mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse commitments. Located in the Lafayette County Chancery Building, 300 N. Lamar Blvd. For more information, call 662236-0232. CIRCUIT COURT The Third Circuit Judicial District Court serves Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Marshall, Tippah and Union counties. The Circuit Court hears felony criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits for more than $2,500, as well as appeals from the Justice and Municipal courts and from administrative boards and commissions such as the Workers’ Compensation Commission and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Located in the Lafayette County Courthouse on the Square. For more information, call 622-234-4951.

DRUG COURT The Drug Court, which is under the Third Circuit Judicial District Court, is a special court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-using offenders through frequent court appearances, comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives. Located in the Courthouse on the Square. Call 662234-4951.

FEDERAL COURT U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Mississippi is located in the Federal Building at 911 Jackson Ave. The courthouse serves the counties of Benton, Calhoun, Grenada, Lafayette, Marshall, Montgomery, Pontotoc, Tippah, Union, Webster, Yalobusha, Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate and Tunica.