Those Who Keep Us Safe: Michael Whitley

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)-Michael Whitley, a patrolman with the Vicksburg Police Department, wants anyone considering a career in law enforcement to know one thing- to be successful, you have to have a servant’s heart. 

“You can’t get into this line of work for the wrong reason,” he said. “You have to be willing to help anyone and any time without hesitation.” 

Whitley, a 2012 graduate of Warren Central, is currently attending online courses to obtain his associates degree from Hinds Community College. He is on schedule to graduate this fall.

Whitley has been with VPD since August of 2020. He is a graduate of Basic Class #265 of the MS Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy where he graduated at the top of his class.

Whitley hasn’t been with the VPD long, but he has made an incredible impact on the community and his fellow officers. He attributes his success to another former “Those Who Keep Us Safe” honoree, Hunter Anderson.

“Hunter was my FTO (Field Training Officer) when I graduated from MLEOTA. He has taught me so much since I’ve started, trusted in me, corrected me if I made a mistake, and above all has become my best friend. I wouldn’t be the Officer I am today without him,” Whitley said.

Like Anderson, Whitley has made a name for himself in the community as an officer who takes the motto “to serve and protect” literally.

Whitley is known as an officer who would rather work to help young offenders learn a lesson rather than take them to jail. He has also earned a reputation as someone who will go above and beyond to help a community member in need.

His own growing family is no doubt a large part of his desire to help and serve his community. Whitley and his wife, Chelsie, have a 3-year-old son named Christian. The Whitley’s are expecting their second son in December.