OFFICER OF THE MONTH: The Brice Is Right: Officer Brice Berry

Officer Brice Berry of the Ridgeland Police Department has been "back" with the force since 2014. He was otherwise pre-occupied before his return.

Having served a tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman, Officer Berry has also been involved in booking with the RPD and several other capacities upon his return. He says he joined the Army as a Junior in high school.

"You can enter as a Junior, yes," Officer Berry responds when asked. "You report to boot camp in the summer and then return to school in the Fall as a Senior and that's just what I did. After graduation I went into the Army full time as a policeman. I decided to do all of this at one of the career days in school when I met some recruiters from the Army and knew I wanted to be in the police arm of the military--even then."

The Ridgeland-born and raised native was at Ridgeland High School when he decided upon his career.

Having rotated a few times between night shift booking and patrolling after his return from Iraq, Officer Berry just recently moved to the day shift with the force and it's obvious after just a few minutes with him that he loves his job.

Part of that may be because Officer Berry says that he stays on an even keel on the job--with everybody. "You know, I just talk the same way to everyone I come into contact with," he says. "I mean, of course, you run into different situations and you have to act accordingly but I've always tried to be the same police officer to everyone regardless of how people treat me."

Having started on the day shift just in July, Officer Berry describes a typical day for him on the job,

"I wake up at 3:30 in the morning--after hitting the snooze button a few times," he laughingly admits, "get ready for the day and arrive to work early. I sometimes come in an hour before my shift starts. I've always been that way, even when I worked nights. It's just something I like to do. I mull around a little bit, talk to folks, and get ready to go for the day. Then I'm out patrolling the City, six different beats that we rotate and swap up, and I like that routine. I'm never stuck in one place and I get to meet a lot more people that way."

When asked about the apparent animosity prevalent from some people these days towards law enforcement officials, Officer Berry says it exists--but that it's not pervasive.

"You know, it's only a small portion of the population who feel threatened by us, meaning police officers," he explains. "The media plays it up, but if you talk to citizens of Ridgeland like I do daily, for instance, I don't sense less respect or any changes in their attitude. Actually, I think I've gotten MORE respect than I used to. It's a job, though--like any job. But it is a calling, really. It certainly isn't about money. It's about wanting to help and protect the public."

But aren't police officers scrutinized more today than, say, doctors or lawyers or any other professional? Office Berry pondered a minute before answering.

"It's hard to answer that," he finally responds. "It does seem that if one bad apple is discovered than the whole profession is blamed. But, in our job, you've got to have a short memory. You can cuss me out today but if you need my help tomorrow, I'm going to help you. I'm not going to hold a grudge. You have to have that kind of mentality in the line of work we do," he says.

Officer Berry says he starts each day like the new one that it truly is.

"Look, to keep your sanity, you just have to do what you need to do," he candidly admits. "I crank the squad car, roll the windows down and breathe in the new day. That's how I get through--that's how I make it. I like to smile a lot, I like to laugh a lot. Most of us here are the same way because, yeah, sometimes it can get pretty bad and pretty ugly. You have to try and keep a positive, upbeat attitude--not only for yourself but for your co-workers, your family and the community you serve and who encounters you.

You move on to the next thing. When it's over, it's done. You go forward," he sums up.

The Ridgeland Police Department has a reputation of being more civil, polite and respectful to and of the citizens they protect. Why is that?

"I think it's the way we all work together," Officer Berry answers. "Our attitudes rub off on each other. We all get along and we know we've got each other's back. That means something and it translates over to how we act in the community."

When asked if he ever fears for his life--especially after the Dallas tragedy of 2016--Officer Berry was candid again.

"I can't say 'It won't happen here,' you know?" he confesses. "Because you never DO know. It could happen anywhere. But we're trained. I think we're better prepared and I don't ever feel in danger. Now, I do know people who can't stand my profession--and that's their right. But I always let them know that I'm there for them. I don't get mad--you don't have to like me. But guess what? My job is to protect you. That's how I look at it. I don't feel threatened by their not liking me just because I wear a police uniform."

His favorite part of the job? "Talking to people, meeting folks," Officer Berry says. "Not just on a call but simply talking to them at a gas station or wherever. I love that." The hardest part? "Trying to let some people know that we--police officers--are there for them. To change their mindset a little if they're distrustful of us."

Officer Berry has a girlfriend who, he says, worries a lot about him. "I tell her not to," he laughs, "but, in the past, I've related stories about certain calls and things I've had to do and she has come out and said, 'Don't tell me that!' because it bothers her. Her brother is a Jackson police officer and she doesn't like to hear his stories, either."

"The Ridgeland Police Department is fantastic," Officer Berry concludes. "I love working here and I love this city. And I don't say that for PR reasons--I truly mean it."

And we in the City of Ridgeland are fortunate that Officer Brice Berry really DOES mean it.