Department of Public Safety Leadership

Governor Phil Bryant

Known for strong integrity and sincere concern for his fellow man, Phil Bryant was sworn in Mississippi’s 64th governor on January 10, 2012. He was elected in November 2011 after capturing 62 percent of the vote.

In his inaugural address, Bryant outlined his vision for Mississippians to “rise together” by continuing to foster their great character, hard work and loyalty to family, state and country.

A former Deputy Sheriff, State Auditor and Lt. Governor, Phil Bryant has a strong background and focus on supporting law enforcement and public safety initiatives to make Mississippi a safer place to live, work and raise families.

Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz

Commissioner Santa Cruz began his law enforcement career in 1974 as a trooper in George County and became a Master Sergeant in District 8, which covers a portion of South Mississippi, in 1986. Ten years later, he was promoted to Captain and served as Commander of Troop K in District 8 for six years. He then became Director of the Southern Region with Mississippi Bureau of Investigations managing three patrol districts before becoming Director of Special Events and Planning. Santa Cruz has been trained at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute and several sniper programs across the country. He also served as commander of Highway Patrol’s sniper team. He and his wife, Doris, have four children, Mike, Sherry, Steven and Glenn.

Colonel Donnell Berry

Donnell Berry was born and raised in Bentonia, Mississippi where he attended Bentonia High School. Berry earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in May of 1980 from Alcorn State University.

Berry’s ambition was to become a trooper for the Mississippi Highway Patrol. In September of 1980 Berry attended MHP Cadet Class #21 where he graduated on December 12, 1980.

Berry was promoted to assistant Troop Commander in Troop C on December 1, 1990. On May 14, 1996, Berry was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, District Executive Officer for Troop C.

In January 2004 Berry was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Director Chief of Uniform Enforcement Division of MHP.

On February 18, 2011, Berry was appointed Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol by Gov. Haley Barbour and promoted to the rank of colonel. “Berry’s knowledge of law enforcement guidelines combined with his on-the-street experience will serve him well as the head of the state’s highway patrol,” Gov. Barbour said.