Jackson police brief council on crime trends, propose ordinance limiting ski masks, and plan MOUs with Capitol Police

Chief Wade and administration officials reported neighborhood crime concerns during the July 15 Jackson City Council meeting and outlined proposals for an ordinance restricting individuals wearing ski-style masks in public and for partnerships with Capitol Police.

Mister Bozeman introduced the administration’s update and Chief Wade described observed behavior by young people wearing "shiesty" ski masks in South Jackson — including on bicycles and inside businesses. "We're looking at some type of city ordinance where individuals are not just walking around in our community with ski mask on," Chief Wade said, adding that the goal is to protect safety without violating constitutional rights. He said the department is working with data analysts to update crime statistics that will accompany the draft ordinance.

Chief Wade also told councilmembers he has spoken with the mayor and that he and Chief Bo Luckey are scheduling a meeting to discuss multiple memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Capitol Police. "We have a meeting we're going to schedule next week to talk about multiple MOUs with Capitol Police," he said.

City Attorney Real Drew Martin said he had prepared a near-complete draft of the ordinance and would distribute it to council members; he described the draft as roughly 95% complete with a few dates and data fields to be finalized. Council did not vote on any ordinance at the meeting; the administration indicated the Parkland Public Safety Committee would likely consider the matter after upcoming conferences.

The council asked for follow-up and for the city attorney and JPD to circulate the draft ordinance and updated crime statistics; no enforcement changes or new penalties were adopted at this session.