The Department of Public Safety has named a new Coordinator of Officer-Involved Shootings.

Major Charles Haynes, who most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs, will handle the job, as well as being Coordinator of the Criminal Information Center and the Digital Forensics Unit.

Currently the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation handles most of the officer-involved shooting cases in the state. We have reached out to DPS to find out more about the position.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to support and work with the men and women of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation,” Haynes said. “We will continue to provide impartial investigative support to local, state, and federal agencies to solve crimes with in the state of Mississippi effectively.”

While serving as the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs for DPS, Haynes oversaw the Legislative Affairs and Governmental Affairs divisions. He also previously served as the Governmental Affairs Director.

He is a 17-year veteran of law enforcement, having served on MBI’s Special Operations Unit, the Mississippi Joint Terrorism Task Force, Mississippi Highway Patrol as a trooper and SWAT member, and as a Brandon police officer.

Lt. Col. Lee Morrison said it’s an honor to have his long-time coworker join MBI.

“Major Haynes has consistently demonstrated innovative skills throughout his career and will be an asset to MBI and the citizens of Mississippi,” Morrison said.

Haynes has an MS in Leadership and a BS in business management from Belhaven University. He graduated from the FBI Mississippi Regional Command College, the FBI National Academy, as well as the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy.