Waveland Police Department

Call Directions Website

Waveland Police Department Proudly Serving and Protecting the Citizens of Waveland In this charter a Town Marshall and Tax Collector were appointed by the administration. Dorn.

The Waveland Police Department's rich history goes back to the initial charter that the Town of Waveland started with. That trend continued until the sixties. The Deputy Marshall's were all volunteers made up of the residents of the Town of Waveland dedicated to the well being of the community. Upon the Town of Waveland's decision to become a City, a Chief of Police was named. The first Chief of Police named was Donald A. The police department still utilized the auxiliary officers of the city to make up the largest part of the police department. The full time police officer's grew as the City of Waveland grew larger in number, including an Asst. Chief and investigators. Through the 1980’s the full time police officers were around 8 full time and still depended on auxiliary officers to keep the city protected 24 hours a day. Into the 90's the full time police department expanded in numbers to include criminal investigators and a narcotics investigator working with a task force. The Hancock County Narcotics Task Force was made up of a Waveland Police Officer, Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy and a Bay St. Louis Police Officer. The task force was instrumental in hundreds of narcotics cases being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In 2001, The Chief of Police, Donald A. Dorn ended his career and retired after more than 30 years of service to the citizens of the City of Waveland. Chief Dorn is credited with the overwhelming success of the Waveland Police Department, which was constantly applauded for its efforts in all facets of law enforcement. Chief Dorn is a great leader who gave of himself unselfishly to the citizens of Waveland and his police personnel. A new Chief of Police was named in January of 1992. An eight year veteran, James Varnell was named the City of Waveland's second police chief. Varnell started his career in law enforcement in 1982 as a part time Deputy Sheriff with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. In October of 1983 Varnell was hired by the City of Waveland as a patrol officer. Varnell was promoted to investigator in 1990 to be assigned to the first Hancock County Narcotics Task Force. In 1992 Varnell was named Police Chief to take the place of Donald Dorn who retired. With the City of Waveland’s growth, the police department kept up continued to expand along with the population. The department enjoyed the administration’s trust and supported the police department's goal to be an excellent department. With continued cooperation of the administrations through the nineties allowed the police department to keep up with technology and training to stay a very highly regarded department. The Waveland Police Department had continued growth with the addition of an Assistant Chief, Administrative Assistant, increased criminal and narcotics investigators, along with supervisors. The Waveland Police Department enjoys a great working relationship with Local, State and Federal agencies.

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE | EMERGENCY SHELTERThe Waveland Police Department is sharing information provided by the Hancock Co...
10/09/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE | EMERGENCY SHELTER

The Waveland Police Department is sharing information provided by the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency regarding the opening of the Necaise Shelter due to potential storm surge flooding and severe weather associated with Hurricane Isaias.

Location: 30360 Highway 603, Perkinston, MS

Opening: Friday, October 9, at 9:00 a.m.

Scheduled Closing: Saturday, October 10, at 12:00 noon.

The American Red Cross will provide cots, blankets, water, and meals. Residents utilizing the shelter are encouraged to bring necessary personal items and supplies.

For additional information, contact Hancock County EMA at 228-255-0942 or Hancock County Central Dispatch at 228-255-9191.

Residents are encouraged to remain informed and take appropriate precautions as weather conditions develop.

Waveland Police Department

🚨 CRUISIN’ THE COAST – TRAFFIC & ACCESS INFORMATION 🚨As Waveland prepares to welcome Cruisin’ the Coast to the Coleman A...
10/06/2026

🚨 CRUISIN’ THE COAST – TRAFFIC & ACCESS INFORMATION 🚨

As Waveland prepares to welcome Cruisin’ the Coast to the Coleman Avenue area, residents and visitors should be aware of temporary changes to traffic patterns and access around the event area.

⏰ WHEN TO EXPECT TRAFFIC CHANGES

Traffic-control measures and road closures are expected to begin at approximately 9:00 PM Tuesday and remain in effect through approximately 6:00 PM Wednesday.

🚧 BEACH BOULEVARD – RESTRICTED ACCESS

Beach Boulevard between Lafitte Drive and Farve Street will be CLOSED TO REGULAR THROUGH TRAFFIC.

This closure does not apply to authorized Cruisin’ the Coast cruiser traffic entering the event area. Cruisers will be permitted access as directed by officers and event staff.

All other motorists should use the designated open routes around the event area and should not attempt to travel through the restricted section of Beach Boulevard.

🚗 ROADS REMAINING OPEN

➡️ Nicholson Avenue — open to northbound and southbound traffic
➡️ Lafitte Drive — open to northbound and southbound traffic
➡️ Favre Street — open to northbound and southbound traffic
➡️ Central Avenue — remains open to traffic

🏁 EVENT AREA TRAFFIC

Coleman Avenue will serve as the main event corridor.

Cruisers entering the event area from the beach side will be directed northbound on Coleman Avenue toward Central Avenue.

Once inside the event area, motorists should expect controlled traffic patterns and designated parking areas. Certain areas may be used differently for cruisers, general vehicle traffic, golf carts, parking, and exiting traffic.

Because of this, normal traffic patterns should not be assumed within the event area.

👮 FOLLOW ON-SITE DIRECTIONS

Please follow all instructions or directions provided by Waveland Police officers or event staff.

Officers and event personnel will be positioned throughout the area to assist with traffic flow, parking, entry and exiting the event area.

Temporary barricades, signs, and other traffic-control devices will also be in place.

Please follow the directions of officers and event staff even if those directions differ from your normal route or GPS.

⚠️ PLAN AHEAD

Expect increased traffic and pedestrian activity throughout the Coleman Avenue area. Allow yourself additional travel time and, if you are not attending the event, consider avoiding the immediate event area during peak hours.

Please slow down, remain alert, watch for pedestrians, and be patient with other motorists.

Traffic patterns may be adjusted as necessary throughout the event to safely accommodate vehicles, golf carts, pedestrians, parking, and changing traffic conditions.

🏁 Enjoy Cruisin’ the Coast and welcome to Waveland!

— Waveland Police Department

GOLF CART RENEWALIf you have a golf cart permit issued by the City of Waveland, please come to the Waveland Police Depar...
09/29/2026

GOLF CART RENEWAL
If you have a golf cart permit issued by the City of Waveland, please come to the Waveland Police Department and renew your permit. All permits expire SEPTEMBER 30th.

The fee is $50.00 (No Cash). Hours are weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Officers will be enforcing expired permits.

Waveland Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Campaign. This Blitz will be fro...
08/24/2026

Waveland Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Campaign. This Blitz will be from August 19th thru Sept. 7,2026.
We will have extra patrol units out during this time and also checkpoints through-out the city.

08/09/2026

UPDATE:
THE FOURTH JUVENILE INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT HAS TURNED HIMSELF IN AND HAS BEEN CHARGED ACCORDINGLY.

🚔 WPD COMMUNITY ALERT / VEHICLE BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

During the early morning hours, between approximately 12:48 a.m. and 2:43 a.m., Waveland Police Officers responded to the Idlewood Subdivision after receiving a report of four individuals dressed in dark clothing roaming the neighborhood and pulling on vehicle door handles.

Officers confirmed that at least one vehicle had been unlawfully entered, and video footage obtained during the investigation showed the individuals attempting to open additional vehicle doors throughout the area.

Officers located the group a short time later, at which point the individuals fled on foot. After a foot pursuit through several yards and over multiple fences, officers were able to locate and take three of the four individuals into custody without further incident. All three were identified as juveniles.

⚠️ RESIDENTS IN THE AREA:
We are asking residents in or around the area to check their vehicles this morning. If you discover that your vehicle was entered, rummaged through, or anything is missing—even if nothing appears to have been stolen—please contact the Waveland Police Department and report it. This will assist officers in identifying any additional victims and determining the full extent of the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

We would also like to remind our residents to take a few simple precautions each night:

🔒 Lock your vehicles and remove the keys.
💰 Do not leave valuables, fi****ms, wallets, or bags inside your vehicle.
💡 Keep exterior lights on when possible.
📹 Make sure security cameras are operational.
👀 If you see suspicious activity, please contact law enforcement rather than confronting the individuals yourself.

We appreciate the alert residents who contacted law enforcement and provided information that assisted our officers.

See it. Report it. Let us handle it.

— Waveland Police Department

Lost pup? Found today if you know who this friendly dog belongs to call Dispatch at 228-255-9191
06/20/2026

Lost pup? Found today if you know who this friendly dog belongs to call Dispatch at 228-255-9191

We have been seeing a lot of golf carts with expired or no expiration stickers displayed. Tickets are being issued. Come...
05/20/2026

We have been seeing a lot of golf carts with expired or no expiration stickers displayed. Tickets are being issued. Come to the police department from 8am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday to get your renewal sticker.

Waveland Police Department is participating in the Click It or Ticket Campagne from May 15-May 31st. We will have extra...
05/20/2026

Waveland Police Department is participating in the Click It or Ticket Campagne from May 15-May 31st. We will have extra patrol units and check points through-out the city during this time frame. PLEASE BUCKLE UP!!!

Nereid's Parade will be held this Sunday in Waveland. The parade will start at 12 noon. Due to the high volume of foot t...
02/05/2026

Nereid's Parade will be held this Sunday in Waveland. The parade will start at 12 noon. Due to the high volume of foot traffic, Highway 90 will be closed at approximately 10 am.

01/30/2026

Address

1602 McLaurin Street
Waveland, MS
39576

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12284673669

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Waveland Police Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category