MAGEE, Miss. (WJTV) – Violent crime in Magee is down as the police department targets the roots of drug and gang violence.

The City of Magee has seen a 54% drop in violent crime, according to Police Chief Denis Borgas. The department reported only 27 gun-related incidents in 2025 as of June 10. This is down from 148 in 2024.

Borgas, who took over the department in September 2024, said this is a major accomplishment for both the city and the Magee Police Department.

“I’m happy with it. The team has really been successful, because I’m only going to be as good as the people that, you know, work for me or follow me,” he said.

The police chief said support from the Mayor and Board of Aldermen provided the resources needed to boost police presence, including approved overtime and updated technology to combat crime.

“The board has been instrumental in a lot of the stuff that we’re successfully able to do now. They have been very approving of stuff that I’m trying to get for the department. Body cameras. We have body cameras now that officers cannot delete. So, it’s more accountability. Also, tasers, new tasers,” said Borgas.

Officers are also receiving improved training on how to present cases in court, which is a strategy aimed at ensuring violent offenders face jail time.

“The state requires 24 hours minimum. I want to go beyond that. I want my officers to be properly trained to where cases aren’t lost in court because of technicalities. A lot of times that can cost a case,” Borgas stated.

While the police chief is pleased to see the number of crimes diminishing, Borgas said there’s still more work to be done. He’d like to see more officers on patrol.

“I want to make Magee one of the safest cities in Mississippi. My goal is to continue to obtain more grants, create more opportunities for officers to work overtime, so they can be more in the streets. A lot of times we tackle what people claim is petty like seat belts and things like that actually allows us to be visible in the city. The more blue lights are out there, the more visibility and maximum visibility. A lot of time, you know, curbs a lot of crime before it happens,” the police chief said.

The report also showed an 87% drop in other community crimes, including weapons offenses, sexual assaults and animal cruelty.