Part 3: Community, Trust, and the Road Ahead
Chief Denis J. Borges is clear that public safety in Magee cannot rest on the shoulders of law enforcement alone.
“Public safety works best when it is a shared effort,” Chief Borges says. “Residents can help by reporting suspicious activity early, staying involved in their neighborhoods, getting to know their neighbors, securing their homes and vehicles, and speaking with their children about good decision making.”
Borges points to engagement as a key part of that effort.
“They (residents) can also support community events, youth programs, and open communication with law enforcement,” Borges says. “A safer city is not built by police alone. It is built when a community works together.”
Like many cities, Magee faces ongoing challenges that require both attention and planning.
“Like many communities, one of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of problems before they grow,” Borges says. “That includes things like drugs, repeat offenders, quality of life issues, and making sure we have the resources and staffing needed to serve the community well.”
He also points to the pace of information as a modern challenge.
“Another challenge is the speed at which misinformation can spread and shape public opinion before all the facts are known,” he says. “Public safety today requires not only strong enforcement, but also communication, technology, training, and partnerships.”
In a small city, Borges says, those tools matter even more.
“In a small city, grants, technology, and partnerships can make a major difference,” Borges says. “Grants help us pursue equipment, training, and tools that may otherwise be harder to afford. Technology can improve officer safety, evidence collection, communication, and overall efficiency.”
He adds that collaboration extends beyond law enforcement.
“Partnerships with other agencies, schools, businesses, and the community make us stronger because public safety is not something one department should try to handle alone,” he says. “Smart policing means using every lawful resource available to better protect the people we serve.”
Looking ahead, Borges says the department’s approach must remain proactive.
“To me, proactive policing means trying to prevent crime and disorder before it happens instead of waiting until after the damage is done,” he explains. “That includes officer presence, community engagement, traffic enforcement, paying attention to trends, following up on concerns, and using information to deploy resources wisely.”
The Chief notes that both approaches are necessary.
“Reactive policing is responding after the fact,” Borges says. “Both are necessary, but a strong department cannot survive by only reacting. If we want safer neighborhoods, we have to be intentional and proactive.”
Schools are one place where that proactive approach can make a lasting impact.
“Community policing matters because relationships matter,” he says. “In schools especially, positive interaction with law enforcement can shape how young people view authority, safety, and responsibility for years to come.”
He believes those early connections can influence long term outcomes.
“When officers are present in a way that is professional, approachable, and engaged, they can help build trust early and prevent problems before they grow,” Borges says. “Long term public safety is not just about arrests. It is also about guidance, mentorship, prevention, and showing young people that law enforcement can be a positive presence in their lives.”
To young people considering a career in law enforcement, his message is direct.
“I would tell them that law enforcement is more than a job,” he says. “It is a calling that requires discipline, patience, integrity, and sacrifice. If you want to wear the badge, do it for the right reasons.”
He adds practical advice as well.
“Stay out of trouble, work on your communication skills, stay physically and mentally strong, and understand that character matters long before the uniform ever goes on,” Borges adds.
He is just as direct about the role of families.
“Prevention starts at home, and law enforcement can support that, but it cannot replace it,” he says. “Families play the biggest role by being present, setting standards, knowing where their children are, and having honest conversations about choices and consequences.”
Law enforcement, he says, is one part of a larger network.
“When families, schools, churches, and police work together, we have a much better chance of stopping problems before they turn into crimes,” Borges says.
Looking ahead, he hopes his time as chief will be measured by lasting impact rather than headlines.
“The legacy I hope to leave is a stronger department, a safer city, and a culture of professionalism, accountability, and service,” he says. “I want people to be able to say that under my leadership the department moved forward, standards went up, trust improved, and the officers were better trained and better prepared.”
He adds that his work is far from finished.
“I want to leave behind something solid, something that lasts, and something the city can be proud of,” Borges says. “I do not plan on leaving anytime soon.”
Above all, he says, there is one thing he hopes the public understands about the people behind the badge.
“I wish every resident knew that the men and women who serve this department are human beings who carry a serious responsibility every day,” Borges says. “They miss time with their families, work under pressure, and often step into difficult situations when others are trying to get away from them.”
He acknowledges that officers are not perfect, but says many are committed to the work.
“They are not perfect, because nobody is, but many of them truly care about this city and the people in it,” he says. “They put on that uniform to serve, protect, and do their job, and that deserves respect.”
***Editor’s Note***
This three part series, Beyond the Badge, was created to give readers a closer look at leadership, responsibility, and the role of law enforcement in Magee.
Part 1 explored the personal journey that shaped Chief Denis J. Borges and the values he brings to public service.
Part 2 focused on leadership, accountability, and how decisions are made within the department.
Part 3 turns to the community, examining trust, shared responsibility, and what lies ahead.
At its core, this series is not about one person. It is about understanding how public safety works, who is responsible for it, and how a community and its police department move forward together.
The People’s Paper MS remains committed to telling stories that inform, reflect, and encourage thoughtful conversation across Simpson County.
