Crime & Safety
First Responder: Officer Robert McLaughlin
Officer Robert McLaughlin has been in law enforcement since 1977 and is going on four years with the Gulfport Police Department.
Name: Robert McLaughlin
Hometown: Perth Amboy, N.J.
Rank/Title: Officer.
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How long have you been with the Gulfport Police Department?
Almost four years.
Find out what's happening in Gulfportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
What do you like about your job?
"(A) small city allows more time to get to know the residents, good and bad ones."
What do you dislike about your job?
"The shift start/stop times require you to get up in the middle of the night . . . so that you can get to work at 4 or 5 a.m."
What inspired you to become an officer?
"I’ve been a police officer since 1977. Always wanted to be one."
What do you like about Gulfport?
"The city is full of interesting people and unique tastes."
What do you want the general public to know about the Gulfport Police Department?
"The police department may be small, but there is a broad range of experienced officers working here and trying to do the best that we can with the resources that we have."
Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? Email Local Editor Cherlene Willis at cherlene.willis@patch.com.
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