State Auditor says post-Katrina donated guns to Waveland officers must be returned

Pickering: Former Waveland cops must give back guns

“During the time following Hurricane Katrina, many companies like GLOCK donated generously to our state,” said Pickering. “However, with great generosity comes great responsibility and accountability.”

Will Craft, spokesman for Pickering’s office, said there’s no legal procedure that allows for donation of city property to an individual free of charge.

“It’s such a bad situation because of the timing of it all, when it happened. It’s unfortunate that the officers can’t just keep these weapons,” Craft said. “But it all boils down to the fact that the donation was made to the city, and by law they can’t donate public property to the individual.”

Waveland Mayor Mike Smith said he called the State Auditor’s Office twice on behalf of his officers.

Clarion Ledger
8/13/15