The Bay St. Louis Police Department has been participating in the 911 Cell Phone Bank program for about a year and a half and has done an outstanding job with their program. Just recently Community Policing Officer Duane Caughlin has taken over as the new point of contact for the 911 CPB program and has done some wonderful things already. He recently made contact with the Casinos all along the gulf coast of Mississippi and has had a very good response. He simply asked for the lost and found/unclaimed cell phones. Once he let them know what they were going to be used for, they gladly turned the phones over to him. In addition, he has also been collecting the old unwanted/unused cell phones from the general public. The funds that are generated from their collection are used to help fund their Explorer’s program as well as their seniors and crime victims with their necessities.

Officer Caughlin attended the Crime Stoppers Convention that was held January 13 – 15, 2010 at the Imperial Palace Casino in Biloxi, MS. During the convention he was able to share information about the 911 Cell Phone Bank with the Sheriffs from multiple counties, Police Departments, and even some of the U.S. Marshalls. This event was open for the State, County and Federal levels only. He really got the word out there and it was well received. We really want to thank him for his tireless efforts he has demonstrated with our program. This is just some of the things he has done that I wanted to share with you to help you out with your collection efforts. It only takes making a first step. Thank you again Officer Caughlin and a big thank you to the entire community of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.