Crime rates in Mississippi’s capital city of Jackson have risen drastically in recent years, and officials are exploring solutions to violent crime, as well as gathering community input. Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson organized a recent crime summit with local stakeholders, and says it should help create a dialogue between all fields of law enforcement.
“Everybody agreed that we can work together, that we will work together. I think that’s the first time that’s publicly been said that the city, county, state, fairgrounds security, we’re all working together on this,” says Gipson. “That’s gotta happen, and it’s gotta have community support. There was a lot of people who showed up, citizens, individuals, businesses, churches represented there at this meeting, they want to be part of the solution.”
Speakers included Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. Each shared what hurdles their departments or agencies faced, as well as plans that could help reduce crime. Gipson says having these discussions can help law enforcement have a more focused approach towards crime.
“A lot of discussion also about the youth, trying to reach these young people who seem to be leading the numbers when it comes to the violent crimes that are happening. How to reach these young people in the community, church groups, community groups and so forth. A lot of discussion in that area.”
Another crime summit is planned for some time in August.
