NATCHEZ — Forty sheriffs from across the state are protecting and serving Natchez this week during the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association 2011 winter conference.

Adams County was selected to host the winter conference after Sheriff Chuck Mayfield submitted a bid to host during the association’s summer conference in Biloxi.

Mayfield said he felt Natchez was a great location for the conference because of the city’s entertainment and facilities to accommodate a large crowd.

“The community really has extended their gratitude toward the convention and everyone with it,” Mayfield said. “I always enjoy showing off Natchez.”

The conference invites guest speakers from different agencies, such as the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, to hold a presentation on specific law enforcement issues.

Mayfield said the speakers allow him to stay up to date with the most recent crime-fighting technology and network with other sheriffs.

“It’s great because you get to talk and exchange information with other sheriffs from other counties, so if we ever need anything, we can call them up and they know us,” Mayfield said. “We had a great turnout.”

The conference will continue at the Grand Soleil Hotel until Friday.