Peoples Bank Institutes New Security Policy Inside Branches
Removal of hats, hoods and sunglasses will enhance security for employees and customers

From: News Release    Filed 8/11/08  GCN 

BILOXI, MS (August 15, 2008)—Customers entering branches of The Peoples Bank will be asked to do what your mom taught you when you were young—take off your hat, hood or sunglasses when you walk indoors.

“We are instituting this policy to improve security for our employees and customers alike,” said Chevis C. Swetman, president and CEO of the bank. “We want to see your smiling face when you walk into our branches, so we can  recognize you and say hello,” he added.

Beyond good manners, the no-head covering and no-sunglasses policy has been developed as a security measure with the cooperation of local law enforcement authorities to assist in identifying people who enter and leave bank branches during operating hours.

“I applaud all appropriate security actions taken by our area financial institutions to help improve the safety and security of all bank employees and customers, as well as the citizens of Mississippi,” said Frederick T. Brink, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI's Jackson Division.

“We feel that being proactive in this regard may help avoid potentially dangerous situations inside our branches,” said Swetman. “This policy has been implemented by many banks in other states, and we anticipate that it will be adopted by virtually all banks in this area, especially since it is encouraged by city police and county sheriff’s departments,” he said.

Notice of the new policy will be posted prominently at the front door of all 16 branches of The Peoples Bank.

Founded in 1896, with $897 million in assets as of June 30, 2008, The Peoples Bank operates 16 branches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties. In addition to a comprehensive range of retail and commercial banking services, the bank also operates a trust and investment services department that has provided customers with financial, estate and retirement planning services since 1936. The bank also formed a mortgage loan department in July, 2007, to provide residential loans for primary, secondary and multi-family homes up to four units.

The Peoples Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples Financial Corporation, listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol PFBX. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.thepeoples.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and reflects industry conditions, company performance and financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties which could cause the Company’s actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results and expectation expressed in such forward-looking statements.