Community Oriented Policing

Jackson’s police chief goes one-on-one with residents about ways to fight crime in the capital city.  He says it’s important for citizens and police to form a better partnership.

About 50 people turned out for a special community meeting with Acting Police Chief Tyrone Lewis and other police leaders at precinct one.  They focused on improving communications between residents and police.
     

“We are a city full of people who are passionate,“ said Councilman-Elect Tony Yaber.  “I believe that tomorrow, when the new leadership takes office, we’ve got an opportunity to do some great things here in the city.“

Police say grassroots meetings help them forge a lasting partnership with residents.

“The last thing we want from you is to be an enemy,“ said Chief Lewis.  “We’re trying to work together.“

William E. Sellers, who has been living in South Jackson since 1966, gives Lewis high marks for reaching out to the community.

“He’s come up through the rank, and he’s ought to know Jackson and how it operates,“ he said.  “Let’s take our city back over instead of giving it to the crooks.“

Community Oriented Policing programs like the neighborhood watch group in Battlefield Park have been successful in reducing crime.

Last week, there were 41 major crimes reported in precinct one, which five aggravated assaults; eleven auto break-ins; one armed robbery; two business break-ins; and nine home break-ins.

Police are hosting a series of forums to get input from residents.  The meetings lead up to the National Night Out Against Crime, which is August 4th.

The next rally will be held on July 9th in precinct two.  Precinct three holds its forum July 16th.  Precinct four’s will be on July 23rd.  All of the events run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at precinct headquarters.