The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast continues its series exploring the realities of living in a cyber world. Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard and Dr. Bekah Sparks discuss romance scams and how cybercriminals use deception, emotional manipulation, and fake online relationships to gain trust and exploit victims.

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast continues its series exploring the realities of living in a cyber world with Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard, Dr. Bekah Sparks, and Starkville Police Department Sgt. Chris Jackson. Together, they introduce listeners to the Yahoo Boys, their evolution into a global cybercrime threat, and the social engineering tactics used to target victims online.Dr. Bekah Sparks is an Extension Project Specialist with the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies (TIPPS) team. She earned a B.A. in Communication, an M.S. in Instructional Technology, and a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science, all from Mississippi State University. With 16 years of technology education and support experience at Mississippi State University Extension, Dr. Sparks now helps to develop and support statewide family and child development programs that turn developmental research into practical, evidence-based resources for daily living. Her work bridges developmental research and real-world technology for Mississippi families, transforming findings on family and child development into actionable strategies parents and guardians can apply at home, in the car after practice, or during late-night conversations about social media, privacy, and identity. She is committed to making digital wellbeing guidance accessible, culturally responsive, and informed by authentic family experiences—empowering parents and teens not merely to manage technology but genuinely thrive with it.Sergeant Christopher Jackson serves with the Starkville Police Department, leading cybercrime investigations and specializing in digital forensics, cyber-enabled crimes, and technology-facilitated exploitation cases. He holds degrees in Management Information Systems and Computer Programming Technology, graduating with honors from both institutions.Recognized as an expert witness in digital forensics by Mississippi's 16th Circuit Court, Sergeant Jackson regularly provides testimony related to digital evidence and forensic examinations. He also serves as a law enforcement instructor, training officers in cybercrime investigations, digital evidence collection, and emerging technology threats.Throughout his career, he has worked alongside local, state, and federal partners on cybercrime, fraud, online exploitation, and digital forensic investigations. In 2024, he received the Significant Case Award from the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) for outstanding investigative work and has completed extensive advanced training through NCFI, NW3C, IACIS, and the ICAC Task Force Program.

Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast begins a new series with Dr. Bekah Sparks focused on the realities of living in a cyber world.Dr. Bekah Sparks is an Extension Project Specialist with the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies (TIPPS) team. She earned a B.A. in Communication, an M.S. in Instructional Technology, and a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science, all from Mississippi State University. With 16 years of technology education and support experience at Mississippi State University Extension, Dr. Sparks now helps to develop and support statewide family and child development programs that turn developmental research into practical, evidence-based resources for daily living. Her work bridges developmental research and real-world technology for Mississippi families, transforming findings on family and child development into actionable strategies parents and guardians can apply at home, in the car after practice, or during late-night conversations about social media, privacy, and identity. She is committed to making digital wellbeing guidance accessible, culturally responsive, and informed by authentic family experiences—empowering parents and teens not merely to manage technology but genuinely thrive with it.

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Dr. Lori Elmore-Staton, and Geoffrey Grant discuss TIPPS, the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies program at Mississippi State University and TBRI, Trust-Based Relational Intervention. The TIPPS program focuses on training, educating, encouraging, and assisting parents in becoming knowledgeable about the nurturing, financial, growth and developmental needs of their children. Register with TIPPS to receive free, personalized developmental resources, toys, and materials for your child, delivered to your home, available to Mississippi families through a partnership with the MS Department of Human Services. TIPPS: https://tipps.extension.msstate.edu/ TBRI: https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/ Dr. Lori Elmore-Staton is an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Mississippi State University and is the project director of the TIPPS program. She received her B. A. degree in Psychology and her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. Dr. Staton has conducted biophysiological research for more than 15 years, with a special emphasis on sleep and emotion regulation of young children in the context of trauma. Her current work focuses on integrating biophysiological health research into education programs for teachers and parents of underserved populations.

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard and Lee Upchurch talk about the importance cameras and technology in public safety. With 27 years of law enforcement experience, Lee has dedicated a significant portion of his career to narcotics, honing expertise in video and audio narcotic cases. His background includes extensive work in aerial and mobile surveillance, as well as counter-surveillance operations. Transitioning to leadership, Lee spent twelve years as a Chief Deputy overseeing a Sheriff’s Department, Jail, and MDOC County State Work Program. He currently serves with the Starkville Police Department, spearheading the development and management of the Real Time Intelligence Center for the past three years. This innovative initiative centered around the Fusus platform, reflects his commitment to advancing law enforcement practices in an ever-evolving landscape.

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard and Pastor Abdural Lee talk about the importance of non-governmental organizations(NGOs). Non-governmental organizations play a significant role in addressing street violence through community-based solutions, addressing root causes, violence prevention programs, and victim support. Pastor Abdural F. Lee is a resident of Starkville MS , he spent twelve years in Chicago as a child before relocating back to Starkville. He is the proud father of eight children, and has two grandchildren. He is happily married for nine years to Mrs. Latara Lee . He has attended the Ministerial Institute an College, where he received his degree of biblical studies , he also attended New Orleans Baptist seminary theology college, where he received his Pastoral degree, and is now currently attending Andersonville Baptist seminary, where he is earning his bachelor’s in theology! He is also the proud pastor of Sand Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where he has pastored for five years, he is a person who loves outreach and sharing in the opportunities to grow our community!

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Senator Bart Williams and Felicia Morris talk about the future of home security and collaboration with law enforcement to enhance public safety. Senator Bart Williams lives in Starkville MS and is married to Cynthia Jackson Williams. He has two daughters, Gracieann, and Emily. He graduated Mississippi State University in 1989 with a degree in Industrial Technology and began his career as an Industrial Engineer in 1989. In 1993 Bart started his business out of his house & after 5 years he left his Engineering career to run his company, Security Solutions & Communications full time. Security Solutions is currently in its 30th year. The company has been serving North Mississippi since 1993. Bart was elected to and began serving in the Mississippi Senate in October 2020. Edited by: Felicia Morris Produced by: Madison Audo

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Ellie Herndon and Madison Audo talk about off-campus student safety. Ellie, who serves as Mississippi State University’s Student Body President, is a senior double majoring in Supply Chain Logistics and Management. This is her fourth year serving the student body within the Student Association. Previously, Ellie served as a member of Freshman Forum, a Co-Director of Community and Governmental Relations on Cabinet her sophomore year, and as Student Association Treasurer on the Executive Council her junior year. Outside of the Student Association, Ellie is also a College of Business Ambassador, a member of Programming Staff for New Maroon Camp, an Alumni Delegate, and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Ellie is grateful for the opportunity to serve MSU students. Edited by: Felicia Morris Produced by: Felicia Morris

In today's episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Sandy Middleton and Felicia Morris talk about human trafficking. Executive Director of the Center for Violence Prevention, Sandy Middleton, is a devoted ally for awareness of domestic violence and human trafficking. Sandy has a B.A. in English Language and Literature and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration. She is a Certified Rapid Response Human Trafficking Advocate and was awarded the 2014 FBI Community Service Award for the Center. Sandy was also recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2018 as one of the Top 10 in the 50 Top Business Women. Throughout her 18 years at the center, the budget, staff, and programs have increased significantly to assist victims. With a background in political and non-profit development and consulting, Sandy served as a board member and Legislative Director for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence as well as a board member for Mississippians Against Human Trafficking. She has worked to pass legislation to improve victim safety and hold offenders accountable. Her admirable resume includes experience in the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Fund, Mississippi’s Domestic Violence Task Force, Governor Bryant’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Sandy has even trained law enforcement officers at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy. Her motivational Bible verse is: “Rescue the weak and needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:4 Edited by: Felicia Morris Produced by: Madison Audo

In today’s episode, Chief Mark Ballard, Lieutenant Tyler Davis, and Madison Audo talk about the importance of law enforcement tactical training. Tyler, a Houston, Mississippi native, is a former U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force Team Leader and the current Starkville Police Department SWAT Team Leader. He most recently worked as the Starkville Police Department’s Narcotics Sergeant, with 5 years of experience in fugitive apprehension. He and his team have revolutionized the department’s investigative techniques and abilities through technology. These new techniques have resulted in seizures of more than $350,000 and an increase in felony case closures by over 30% during his first year in the position. Starting as a patrol officer in 2011, he has built an impressive resume that has led him to the position of Investigative Division Lieutenant, where he supervises police detectives and narcotics agents. Edited by: Felicia Morris Produced by: Felicia Morris