CNA audit finds racial, gender gaps in Jackson Police Department; recommends data, recruitment and accountability changes

A CNA team presented the results of a racial equity audit of city operations, with a primary focus on the Jackson Police Department (JPD), at the Jackson City Council meeting on July 22.

The audit found that JPD’s workforce demographics differ notably from the city’s population: Black residents account for 20.5% of the city but 11.4% of the department, and women are underrepresented among applicants and in the force. CNA documented 29 findings with tailored recommendations for JPD and recommended expanding the review to other departments in a Phase 2.

CNA’s project director, Dr. Tom Kristoff, said the team’s Phase 1 work included a site visit in October 2024, surveys of city employees (a 69% response rate across departments), two in-person listening sessions and 10 community interviews. “Throughout our report, we made a total of 29 findings, each with an associated recommendation tailored to the JPD,” Kristoff said. He told council the report examined recruitment, promotions, accountability, training and administrative data such as arrests and traffic stops.

Why it matters: the audit links personnel and operational practices to community trust and public safety. The report’s recommendations are framed as operational changes the city can take to reduce disparities and improve oversight.

Key findings and recommendations

- Workforce disparities: CNA reported…