Jackson Jambalaya

Deputy Jay Leggett shoots test

No Hinds County bailiffs failed the 2015 annual weapons qualifications test.  Three bailiffs failed the test each year in 2014 and 2015.  This is the first year the bailiffs were completely subject to the policies of Sheriff Tyrone Lewis as control of the bailiffs was disputed by Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green. Judge Green allowed bailiffs to carry weapons even if they failed the qualifications test.  One bailiff, now retired, shot only 31 (out of 100) yet carried  a weapon while on duty.  The scores were obtained through a public records request. 


Sheriff Lewis instituted the same policy as that enforced by Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker and Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey: "If you can't shoot, you go back to being a recruit".  Sheriff Lewis said a deputy must turn in his weapon while at the range if he can not shoot the minimum score of 75. The deputy must then attend remedial training.  Shooting instructor Captain Robert Mahaffey returns the weapon to the deputy once he achieves a qualifying score.  The Sheriff said this was the first test where the rule could be enforced with the bailiffs.  The vast majority of the bailiffs used the Glock 17 (9mm) to qualify.  A live demonstration of the test is posted in this video recorded last year.  It should be noted that Judge Green did not impose any standards or discipline on "her" bailiffs regarding the carrying and qualification of weapons. 



The 2014 and 2013 scores were worse as three bailiffs did not qualify in each of those years.  One repeat offender, Joyce Harper, retired this year.  She scored a 31 in 2013 and a 48 in 2014.   Earlier post with 2014 and 2013 scores.




Most of the rounds used for the test are shot within a three to seven yard range.  Captain Robert Mahaffey said the deputies only have to shoot seven out of twenty rounds from the fifteen to twenty-five yard range if they hit the target with all of their rounds at the shorter ranges.  Sheriff Lewis also toughened training standards two years ago.  Deputies used to shoot at the range only once a year and that was at the annual test.  Deputies now attend mandatory refresher training every three months at the shooting range.

Kingfish note: 77 year-old Alex McNeil, that is right, 77 damn years old, shot a 96. No excuses.



Then there are the remedial scores:



Here is the state test standards:


Kingfish note 2: I shot the test last week.  Here are my results and score (90).  The test was shot with a Glock 27.  I've been to the pistol range less than ten times and obviously need a good bit of work.  I was able to hit the target but the groups are well, not groups.  I tend to shoot lower as I've got the bad habit of dropping my front sight a little although it has gotten better. Yes, I supplied my own ammo.