The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast continues its series exploring the realities of living in a cyber world. Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard and Dr. Bekah Sparks discuss romance scams and how cybercriminals use deception, emotional manipulation, and fake online relationships to gain trust and exploit victims.

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast continues its series exploring the realities of living in a cyber world with Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard, Dr. Bekah Sparks, and Starkville Police Department Sgt. Chris Jackson. Together, they introduce listeners to the Yahoo Boys, their evolution into a global cybercrime threat, and the social engineering tactics used to target victims online...

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast begins a new series with Dr. Bekah Sparks focused on the realities of living in a cyber world. Dr. Bekah Sparks is an Extension Project Specialist with the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies (TIPPS) team. She earned a B.A. in Communication, an M.S. in Instructional Technology, and a Ph. D. in Human Development & Family Science,...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Dr. Lori Elmore-Staton, and Geoffrey Grant discuss TIPPS, the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies program at Mississippi State University and TBRI, Trust-Based Relational Intervention. The TIPPS program focuses on training, educating, encouraging, and assisting parents in becoming knowledgeable about the nurturing, financial, growth and dev...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard and Lee Upchurch talk about the importance cameras and technology in public safety. With 27 years of law enforcement experience, Lee has dedicated a significant portion of his career to narcotics, honing expertise in video and audio narcotic cases. His background includes extensive work in aerial and mobile surveillance, as well as counter-surveillance op...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard and Pastor Abdural Lee talk about the importance of non-governmental organizations(NGOs). Non-governmental organizations play a significant role in addressing street violence through community-based solutions, addressing root causes, violence prevention programs, and victim support. Pastor Abdural F. Lee is a resident of Starkville MS , he spent twelve ye...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Senator Bart Williams and Felicia Morris talk about the future of home security and collaboration with law enforcement to enhance public safety. Senator Bart Williams lives in Starkville MS and is married to Cynthia Jackson Williams. He has two daughters, Gracieann, and Emily. He graduated Mississippi State University in 1989 with a degree in Industrial...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Ellie Herndon and Madison Audo talk about off-campus student safety. Ellie, who serves as Mississippi State University’s Student Body President, is a senior double majoring in Supply Chain Logistics and Management. This is her fourth year serving the student body within the Student Association. Previously, Ellie served as a member of Freshman Forum, a Co...

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Sandy Middleton and Felicia Morris talk about human trafficking. Executive Director of the Center for Violence Prevention, Sandy Middleton, is a devoted ally for awareness of domestic violence and human trafficking. Sandy has a B.A. in English Language and Literature and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration. She is a Certified Rapid Response Hu...

In today’s episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Lieutenant Tyler Davis, and Madison Audo talk about the importance of law enforcement tactical training. Tyler, a Houston, Mississippi native, is a former U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force Team Leader and the current Starkville Police Department SWAT Team Leader. He most recently worked as the Starkville Police Department’s Narcotics Sergeant, with...

In today’s episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Brian Montgomery, and Cpl. Chris Jackson talk about protecting our kids online. Brian’s son Walker attended Starkville Academy, where he excelled in academics and football. Walker enjoyed running heavy machinery and working on the farm with his family. He had a tremendous work ethic. He had an innate and boundless appreciation and love for the outdoors, and...

In today’s episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Felicia Morris, and Mrs. Karyn Brown talk about the importance of social and digital media in law enforcement. Mrs. Brown is the Director and Instructor of Communications at Mississippi State University and former Executive Director for North Carolina Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Mrs. Brown worked in different forms of journalism and communications after s...