The Jackson Police Department will purchase 4 SUVs for patrol operations. Hinds County Sheriff's Office will purchase 1 SUV for patrol operations.

CITY OF JACKSON, MS

2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

Applicant: City of Jackson

State:  Mississippi

Point of Contact:  Juan S. Gray (601) 960-0729

Award Amount: $195,857.00

ABSTRACT

              The City of Jackson, “The City” is the capital of Mississippi. The Jackson Police Department is continuing its goal of delivering innovative and effective public safety technology and programs to the citizens of Jackson and the officers of the Jackson Police Department.  The City had to reduce its current fiscal year’s budget to offset unexpected reductions in tax revenue.  Jackson had reported 157 murders for 2021, 86 murders for 2022, 95 murders for 2023, and 88 murders for this year, with the highest volume of violent crimes focused in Precincts 2, 3, and 4. Precinct 3 & 4 has seen a 131% rise in homicides and rapes this year and is characterized as having the highest number of homicides.  Precinct 2 has seen a 14.1% increase this year.  We aim to utilize the FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding to enhance patrol operations by purchasing 4 SUVs with lights and sirens for patrol operations.  Chief Wade has started a community policing initiative to reach the youth in the different precincts and schools.  We are going to host police and youth at various schools weekly in each precinct until the Chief covers every school in the district (Police in the Communities with Youth). This will help the department to do three things: build a better relationship with the communities and the people in that precinct. It will also, help with trust and solve cases. The big push will come from Chief Wade, with police and youth at the school to deter students from drugs and crime. Our goal is to create a tracking system for all cases and to increase conviction rates. Through this initiative, the Jackson Police Department will take a multidisciplinary approach to crime. This project will provide critical equipment and patrol vehicles (SUVs) that cannot be purchased due to budget constraints of our general operating funds. Additionally, The Hinds County Sheriff’s Department will purchase one SUV for their patrol operations and work with the Jackson Police Department to engage community services and build trust with the residents of Jackson and Hinds County.