By Rupert Howell

The City of Como came a step closer to having additional security as Hooah Services LLC, a Memphis security firm consisting mostly of prior military employees, has agreed to voluntarily help with law enforcement.

Owner Ric Bailey stated that his company is currently doing a lot of drug bust in Memphis but also wanted the board to know that employees for his company will provide positive role models for the local school children

Bailey was accompanied by seven officers and stated that his company would be there to make the town better.

“We want to help you get rid of drug houses in Como,” he said and later added that his company was doing 12 drug bust a week in Memphis where they have contracts with private property owners, such as apartment complexes.

The company is being employed for $1 under the “old night martial law” according to attorney Parker Still who asked that the agreement between Como and the firm be reviewed by the firm’s liability insurance carrier.

Bailey said he was “working some” with the Panola County Sheriff’s Department and was friends with Mayor Sumner whose daughter works with his firm.

Sumner said afterward that the company is really interested in children and putting them on the right track.

Bailey went on to say that he would work closely with Police Chief Cleve Gale and explained that as police reserve officers, his team members would have authority to arrest and take individuals to jail.

Whoever makes the arrest has got to go to court,” Bailey explained and said that he would be working with transporting those arrested with the sheriff’s department.

Acknowledging that his officers would be legally armed, he emphasized that none have ever shot anybody “stateside,” and noted that pepper spray, or the threat of it, was his company’s weapon of choice when needed.

Sumner said that the service provided by Hooah would not be around the clock, but there would be assistance when needed.

Bailey said his employees would probably spend two days a week in the Como area.

In a related matter, Police Chief Gale reported a drop in crime and attributed it to school being in session. Also noted was that fewer papers were being filed with the police department which was attributed to the municipal judge  enforcing the law.

The board of mayor and aldermen scheduled a budget meeting for 4 p.m. this Saturday, September 7.