Since Oct. 19, 1993, Picayune native Ginger Bennett has been a welcome fixture at the Picayune Police Department.
She began her career as a records clerk and, at the time, knew nothing about police work.
“I had been here one time with a friend to get her son out and that was all I knew about it,” she said.
But she quickly learned how to prepare police reports in the computer and assemble paperwork for the court system.
From 2003 to 2011, she served as DUI Coordinator and Safe Communities Coordinator. Both programs were made possible through grant money.
“As DUI Coordinator I kept statistics, did the reporting, attended meetings and community activities,” Bennett said. “I also coordinated DUI talks. As Safe Communities Coordinator, I and the officers informed the community about seatbelts, child restraint seats and organized talks for clubs, schools and churches.”
In 2011, Bennett was named executive secretary to Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey. She maintains his schedule, payroll, answers the phone and provides other clerical and administrative services.
Bennett, who studied business and home economics, said she never thought of law enforcement as a career. However, she said she loves her job and likes everything about it.
“I work with some of the most talented, professional people you would ever want to be associated with,” she said. “I try to take care of them so they can better do their jobs.”
The mother of four and grandmother of seven enjoys baking sweet treats for the officers, which includes cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies, chicken salad, breakfast sandwiches or pizza.
Each month, Bennett hosts a birthday party for those celebrating their birthdays, Picayune Police Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri and Det. Christa Groom said.
Magri, who has worked with Bennett since 1993, said she’s a pleasure to work with.
“She’s a sweet and delightful person who takes care of the employees and the police department,” Magri said. “She keeps up with all the department events and keeps it functioning.”
Bennett has worked for four police chiefs and seen many changes in law enforcement.
“Back then, I believe the people had more respect for the law and those enforcing it,” she said. “Not now though.”
Groom said Bennett is always willing to help any time the officers need anything.
“She’s always the one to bring out the best in every situation,” Groom said. “If we’re having a bad day, she makes it better.”
Dawsey said Bennett is a valuable asset to the department.
“She handles the day to day administrative duties for us and is like a mother figure to us all,” he said. “She goes above and beyond her duties. She is very positive, community oriented and a great employee.”
During her free time, Bennett enjoys attending First Baptist Church of Picayune and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
“I love being the voice on the other end of the phone that helps a distraught person find answers or helping a concerned citizen who comes into the police department by listening and then pointing them in the right direction,” Bennett said. “I never know what my day will bring. I am just glad that the Lord provided this job for me for 23 years. I believed he placed me here to help folks in very stressful situations.”