Jackson Jambalaya

Hinds County Board of Supervisors had its regular meeting yesterday. Nothing exciting although for a few minutes District 4 Supervisor Phil Fisher claimed Hinds County still has not given Byram access to its radio system.

Byram purchased its Motorola radios several months ago after Hinds County tried to force Byram to purchase EF Johnson radios through its "consultant". Although Byram has access to the statewide radio system (MSWIN), it is unable to gain access to the Hinds system. Translation: They can't talk to Hinds County Sheriff's Office, Clinton PD, Terry PD, JPD, or even its own volunteer fire department.

Mr. Fisher produced emails from Hinds EOC Director Jimmie Lewis stating he was only doing what the Supervisors told him to do (See 15:56 in third video below. Notice how Mr. Graham turns away from the discussion.). The Supervisors previously took the position Byram had to allow Airwave to program its radios so they could access the Hinds radio system. Such reprogramming means Airwave has to take physical possession of the radios. The city takes the position the wireless commission can program the radios over the air to have access without the radios ever leaving Byram's possession. The commission and Motorola can issue a system key giving Byram limited access. Supervisor Hobson-Calhoun ended the discussion by asking why Byram couldn't follow the procedures of other cities in Hinds County, to which Mr. Fisher agreed.