Jackson Police Chief outlines urgent funding needs to combat crime

In a recent government meeting, the Jackson Police Department outlined significant budgetary needs aimed at combating rising auto theft and carjackings in the city. Chief of Police emphasized the necessity of a $96,000 investment over two years for advanced technology, including License Plate Readers (LPRs) and safe city cameras, to enhance public safety and crime prevention efforts.

The Chief highlighted that the $75,000 allocated for safe city cameras is crucial for maintaining surveillance and improving response times to incidents. He noted that the integration of LPRs with the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) would provide vital data on vehicle movements throughout Jackson, aiding in crime resolution.

Addressing staffing challenges, the Chief pointed out that many officers are nearing retirement, necessitating an increase in starting salaries to attract new recruits. He proposed raising starting salaries to $50,000, emphasizing that competitive compensation is essential to retain and recruit officers in a challenging job market.

The department currently operates 213 vehicles, but with 263 employees, there is a significant shortfall in available patrol units. The Chief expressed a desire for every officer to have a take-home vehicle, but acknowledged the limitations posed by the current fleet, which includes 315 inoperable vehicles.

The meeting also touched on the efficiency of Flock public safety cameras, which are expected to enhance crime-fighting capabilities through data sharing with other agencies. The Chief reiterated the importance of expanding the RTCC and improving real-time data access to support ongoing investigations.

Councilman Harley commended the Chief for his leadership, noting the positive trend of officers returning to serve in Jackson. He raised concerns about response times to calls, indicating that prioritization of emergency situations is critical, and requested further details on response metrics.

The Chief concluded by expressing gratitude for the council's support and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the safety and security of Jackson's residents.