Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.
Jackson has so much potential. It is our capital city and the heart of our state. It is where I have lived for over one-third of my life. The cultural and artistic legacy here is powerful and strong. The people, museums, colleges, restaurants, and historic landmarks here all define this fantastic place.
But Jackson has to be better. Downtown Jackson should be so safe that it is a magnet for talented young people to come and live and work and create.
Every day, I see another heartbreaking story. Children murdered. Businesses uprooted by armed robbery. Rape, arson, and a thriving, deadly hard-drug industry.
Jackson is experiencing an unprecedented epidemic of crime. The capital city is approximately 6% of Mississippi’s population yet, in 2020, accounted for more than 50% of the homicides in our state. It set a record for homicides within the city that year. It did it again in 2021.
In 2021, Jackson’s homicide rate was almost 100 murders per 100,000 residents – nearly 13 times higher than the US rate of 7.8 per 100,000. In 2022, it was approximately 88.9. On the global level, Jackson found itself in the company of Tijuana, Acapulco, and Caracas as one of the most dangerous places in the world. That is not a position any American city should be in, and certainly not a norm Mississippians should accept.
We have a crippling problem with violent crime in our capital city. We’re working to address it. And when we do, we’re met with overwhelming false cries of racism and mainstream media who falsely call our actions “Jim Crow.”
I think it’s important to set the record straight, because most of the national media isn’t interested in reporting the truth. Instead, they’re portraying our efforts to keep Jacksonians safe as an initiative designed to take power away from the people who live in our capital city.
There is a clear consensus that more law enforcement boots on the ground are needed in Jackson, especially given that the city’s police department has chronically been understaffed by at least a hundred officers.
This legislation takes the existing Capitol Police, which previously served primarily as security officers for state buildings, and turned them into a true law enforcement agency that can help fight back against crime in the city within a designated area - the Capitol Complex Improvement District. The state is pouring in money for infrastructure projects and policing there. We’re increasing funding to support 150 Capitol Police officers, expands that district, and will provide additional bandwidth for the city’s police officers to patrol other parts of the city.
Capitol Police officers will still have primary jurisdiction in their expanded district but now will also have concurrent jurisdiction jointly with the Jackson Police Department in other parts of the city. This means if Capitol Police needs to serve a warrant on a rapist, drug dealer or murderer, they now can arrest them outside of the CCID. We should all support that.
It also creates a new inferior court, as a first line of defense, to start to address the issues with prosecution. We can arrest all the violent criminals in the city, but if the judicial system puts them right back on the street—what have we really accomplished?
Despite what you’ve seen in the media, the new law does not take away power from Jacksonians or their elected judges. In fact, all decisions by the newly created inferior court can be reviewed without deference by elected county and circuit court judges. The legislation also provides more funding so the elected Hinds County District Attorney can hire two additional assistant district attorneys and a criminal investigator, and so that the Office of the Public Defender can hire three more public defenders.
This legislation will also increase transparency, as Mississippi Department of Public Safety leadership must hold a town hall meeting with city residents quarterly and Capitol Police officers will be required to wear body cameras.
The national press and liberal politicians have labeled that “Jim Crow.”
Jackson has to be better. This legislation won’t solve the entire problem, but if we can stop one shooting, if we can respond to one more 911 call – then we’re one step closer to a better Jackson.
I refuse to accept the status quo. As long as I’m Governor, the state will keep fighting for safer streets for every Mississippian no matter their politics, race, creed, or religion – regardless of how we’re portrayed by liberal activists or in the national media.
69 comments:
The people who label this initiative as "Jim Crow" are the real racists, and who raise the "race card" at every opportunity.
Boom! Now, expand it further next session to County line.
I understand what this bill is trying to do but it's all for naught.
Can make a silk purse from a sow's ear.
Good work Guv'nor. You are fighting the collectivists/communists that run Jackson proper. I stand behind you on this.
Even id the Capitol Police do something, it's more than the nothing we're currently getting.
Just start with something easy: curtail the panhandling in downtown and everywhere else in the district. That's an easy, "in-your-face" frustration that should be eliminated, as it's a little chink in the daily life equation. "Safe cities" don't have that.
Then, expand out from there.........
Shockway be pissed-
At least he has the “guts” to support his beliefs regardless of the consequences.
Who gives a damn what they label it? The race hustlers and its media propaganda arm are going to do what it always does.
Not going to be expanded past Northside until after Delbert's primary against McDaniel. Can't have McDaniel telling voters that Delbert let a bill be passed that provides his own local police force at the expense of all Mississippi taxpayers.
Chokwe, just shut up and go with it. You've got RDI on a one year contract and the state fixing the water system and fighting crime for you. Just sit back and cruise until the next crisis and then speed dial MSNBC...it's what you do best.
McDuff and his ACLU, NAACP and SPLC handlers about to tee it up
It's imperative that the 911 system comes under the control of the Captiol police.
Well said.
Thank you to the state taxpayers, Cap Police, etc.
Signed,
A Jackson resident
Thank you Tate!!! Thank you,Thank you, Thank you!!!
Well done and well said Governor
@2:50. Exactly. I was disappointed that a separate circuit court wasn't created, but a municipal court is a good start. There are A LOT of misdemeanors committed within the CCID. Petit larceny, loitering, traffic offenses, trespassing, DUI- just to name a few. If they can effectively get a handle on some of that, it will truly make a difference. Knowing that there is a proactive force that is run by competent leaders within the CCID will attract new businesses and patrons. This is a good first step. It is certainly better than nothing!
Now everyone from north Mississippi to the coast will be paying for Jackson’s shortcomings.
Lil Choke despises his duty. When simple management is his job, this fake mayor can only obfuscate while all goes to ruin. There is a crumbled bridge on Adkins at Old Canton Rd that has been crumbled into a creek for three years. Both Fire and Police must detour around it for emergency services. Recently, $4M was paid late for the reason that the Financial office of the city remains dysfunctional lacking central in-house accounting management.
Sewer, water, roads, bridges, crime, staffing, billing, finances and trash just aren't as worthy of practical leadership as his hair and nails and marxist manifesto.
911 has been a joke since Harvey ...and JPD response about the same. Glad to see the adults show up-Thank Goodness and thank you Governor Reeves and Sen Lamar. The Jackson politicians that opposed this bill are SOOORRRRRIIIIEEEEEE.
Thank you, Governor Reeves!!! Expansion to County Line would have been ideal but this is far better than nothing.
Republicans still saving Democrats from their own bad decisions and piss poor leadership. It never ends…Democrats will always shit where they eat.
BS, Tate doesn’t care about Jackson. The mayor and councilman don’t care. It’s hopeless until the next election comes.
I’m a democrat. I’ve lived in Jackson 25 years. I agree with every word of the governor’s statement.
Bravo Governor Reeves !
The people objecting to this are power brokers who simply want to protect their own turf, no matter what it means to the average citizen. They will not sacrifice their profits from political control of Jackson to battle crime or economic blight. It's just not their priority.
Let Jackson rot under the leadership it has elected. Let the feral residents destroy it. Stop wasting MY tax dollars on a city has has zero interest in law and order.
Let it die.
I am waiting for lumumba to call all of the national news stations to whine about how racist and unfair all of this is.
Now road block every weekend in 4 different places and throw the violators in Parchman. Remember when we did this a sheriff ago? We always caught 4 or 5 violent offenders each time. Bring back hard time and things will get better.
Why are we always having to solve Democrats problems? It’s just a waste of time, resources, manpower, and money these people don’t understand basic concepts, problem solving, or how to take care of themselves. Just let Jackson fail, let them scream, ignore them they’re going to scream racism no matter what because it’s a game to them. Until some actual adults can come in and ignore the whining and crack skulls nothing will improve. There are certain parts of the US that they have to fly in the DOJ and other alphabet agencies to run operations because the locals (Dems/leftists) can not operate a functional local government or law enforcement without corruption and are narco states, though msm won’t report it, you have to dig for it. When the FBI is flown in and arrests 200 police officers it doesn’t look good and the media never reported it.
@4:29 Not all of us elected these fools. I am not happy Biden is our president, but I would never say what you just said.
There are some good people in this city, believe it or not.
What a day, RINOs are for bigger government than democrats. This is shameful to anyone who fancies him/herself a conservative.
This news made my entire month! It’s a worthwhile investment to save our capital city and Mississippi’s infrastructure there, and it helps the good residents who are drowning in crime. And it’s just hugely, bigly appreciated!! All my thanks to those who put this together and to Governor Reeves for signing it!
When is the next street-rally. I'm headed to Tractor Supply for a pitchfork and some kerosene. And maybe some poster board. They got poster board?
Why should the state be responsible for this? And if it is justified then why not all of Jackson’s shortcomings?
Why not other towns as well?
Will this mean that the ballet dancers that will soon be here from 17 nations won't get mugged/'jacked?
@4:29
I suspect I have lived in Jackson longer than most people on this site, and I am sad to say I agree with you 100%....
I am not looking forward to the capitol police having to defend themselves with lethal force. I am sure Cuckway will use that incident to display his verbal diarrhea on MSNBC and invite out of state protestors to set up shop in Jackson...
Time to drag my happy ass up to St. Catherines...
Jackson is drowning in crime because woke effing Democrats don’t hold criminals accountable. It’s as simple as that.
Capitol PD is still trash. They let a crackhead walk free after causing problems up and down my street last year. Including hit and run, vandalism, and assaulting the neighbor who was the one who called Capitol PD in the first place. It took over an hour for them to show up the first time and every time the chick showed up that following week threatening the neighbors Capitol PD just gave her a “talking to”.
This is good for Jackson but probably bad for the surrounding communities. When they tighten down on Jackson I'm afraid some these thugs will decide to try their "trade" in the neighboring counties.
I guess the governor doesn't care about the crime in my small town. We need help, tool
So let State employees working downtown decide whether they want to risk their lives coming to work or provide service to All Mississippians?
Who would not want the Capital Police policing the City of Jackson and more Judges? Answer, the mostly Democratic Politicians. That’s because they live in safe havens and are not directly affected by serious crime at this juncture.
When the criminals start robbing, raping and assaulting the pastors and politicians families it will be on in Jacktown!
Just think , that Lyft Driver could had been someone in your family!
My brothers and sisters this ain’t black and white it’s the criminal elements taking over Jackson. We are not soft on crime. The word is, we are WEAK on crime.
I would have more respect for the governor if he would speak the truth. He doesn't care about the overall crime in Jackson, just the crime that affects white people. I don't understand why he won't admit that. Innocent black people have been victimized for years with crime, and the governor didn't give a crap. But now that white people are being subjected to the same crimes, all of a sudden it is now a state emergency.
And, by the way, the nation criticizes Mississippi because we are a nonprogessive, closed minded state that is at the top of every bad list. It's not because of racism that we are critiqued so harshly.
Amen 4:48. The Mayor received 12,000 votes of the 18,000 cast last election. No one votes bc there’s never anyone to vote for. IF we get a good candidate to support, the people will come out and vote. This notion that we keep electing him is BS. It’s also the capital city of our state. No one outside this area knows what Madison is. Everyone lives in “Jackson” according to the rest of America. It’s imperative that it not suck. It’ll help you Madison and Clinton folks too. It’s ok to admit that and want it to be good.
Thank you sir!
@4:52 Wrong! We are for effective government. Jackson's government has been ineffective on all fronts, Crime, Water, Trash, Education, etc. etc. etc.
Thanks for wasting every nonJackson Mississippians tax dollars on a City that doesn’t want the help.
And wants the Capitol Police to mis-step so it will become a national racial news story. This won’t end well not matter the intentions
@6:41 I seriously doubt if Capitol P.D let someone go. They truly believe in taking a criminal to jail. They only have an 8 mile ratios,it doesn't take them an hour to get anywhere. Your probably talking about JPD.
Bumble has been elected twice by overwhelming majorities. He is the people’s choice to lead them. Lubumba’s policies are what they want. Jackson should be renamed ‘Lubumbaville’.
Let the race-baiters, the leftist media and assorted other malcontents wallow in their misery. It's time for the rest of us, black and white, to move past that nonsense. Don't worry about their misery or their accusations of racism.
Move on. The alternative to the bill signed into law is more of the same slide into Gomorrah and lawlessness. The Horhns, Blackmons, Simmons', black caucus, ACLU, NAACP, mayor, local rag presses and national media will do their thing.
A safe capital city for Mississippi is the furthest thing from their agenda. Bedlam, crime, crippled infrastructure and ineffective government are their hallmarks nationally and locally. For some reason they thrive in that combination.
Do we want a capital city that we can drive into without fear, or do we not? Do we want to be able to enter Jackson on business or to dine or shop without fear of being robbed or shot...or not? Do we want our public servants to be able to come to work and leave work without fear, or not?
The Legislature and our Governor had an obligation to our capital city and to the citizens of this state to step in and salvage Jackson. They did and they did. Celebrate the day. The road to recovery is long. Real long. This is only a first step.
@2:54pm
"At least he has the “guts” to support his beliefs regardless of the consequences."
That's the dumbest damn thing I've heard in a while. How old are you? 17?
"Guts" gets you headaches or worse. Brains gets you through life.
Thank you Gov. Reeves for signing the bill. As a business owner in NE Jackson, I wish the CCID coverage would have been extended to County Line Road. Interesting that so many of the legislators who opposed the bill have done absolutely nothing to insure the safety of Jackson residents until the HB 1020 was brought up. Those same individuals are holding their hands out for more state and federal funds for the city of Jackson, but call it racism when the state tries to initiate effective programs to help correct the problems in Jackson.
4:52 weak argument.
I’m calling BS. As to the 911 call, it goes to JPD and if they even answer they can take their sweet time rolling it over to to Cap Police’s dispatch. Would the 100 total officers at JPD even have showed up ?
@8:43 The crime/murder volume numbers don't lie. That is assuming we're getting accurate stats from the cops and flap gum chisel head, right? Right? I tend to believe it's worse than they are admitting.
@7:58am - Nope, not 17. Just a full grown Mississippi adult with an average IQ of room temperature. Thinking isn’t their forte and “going with my gut” is about all they can do.
@3:23PM
Right now I’m just glad that one issue didn’t defeat the entire bill. As it is, it’s a significant step in the right direction.
@6:07
Jackson is the seat of state government and home to the state’s only academic health science center, i.e., medical school, et al.
@6:41PM
Antar is not your garden-variety woke democrat. He’s much more dangerous. In the words of the special chancellor, “Jackson does not have a functioning government. It has a dictatorship.” I for one do not believe for a second that he meant to suggest 7 city council members are dictators.
Oh, and “woke democrat” and “dictator” barely scratch the surface when it comes to Antar and his true agenda.
These elections every few years are working so well.
8:48, it’s not a ‘notion’ that Jackson keeps re-electing Lubumba, it’s a fact.
April 22, 2023 at 7:58 AM, so, you're gutless?
MS Democrats just want the money, not the fix. It's how they roll.
Democrat in Broadmeadow here (between Northside and Meadowbrook). I'm so happy it was extended to Northside where the street racing is terrible. On Sunday nights the noise is deafening. It's too bad that the mayor has rendered JPD useless requiring an additional police force but until Chokwe is gone, we have to work around him. It's not a race issue; it's a Chokwe issue.
Just read that NAACP has filed suit. They might as well sue Reeves for the rise in the Pearl River in February.
The catch to the new judges / courts lies in the fact that the defendants can appeal the jew judges rulings to the circuit judges.
Unless i missed part of the legislation (and i could have as it’s varied in form) These new courts are not courts “of record” so there will be no transcripts. Practically that means every defense lawyer will post a small bond and appeal immediately to the circuit court and the circuit court judges will be able to stay / reverse most decisions of the newly appointed municipal judges. I hope I’m incorrect about this point…and if I am I know someone will point it out.
I live in jackson and don’t regularly vote for republicans.
This legislation is necessary for jackson to right itself. Jackson let itself go. Jackson is very lucky to have 1 billion coming from feds to replace water / sewer via the EPA. This next step is generous of the state and I’m hopeful it works to reduce crime and increase Jacksonians sense of safety and well being…..something lacking now.
To 4:12, we use to be a society where Dems and republicans could talk to one another, say hello in a kind way and coexist. We all had different thoughts and that’s what has made the nation. Good for you and I appreciate your comment . 2:59 states a mouthful! And I agree with him. That fella doesn’t realize how good he actually has it when he stands back and looks at the condition of the city. But, this has been a plan in the makings to bring the system down for 60 years. 5
There are many many good comments on this topic.
NAACP law suit in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....
Oh wait, the fools at the NAACP just filed suit in federal court. In their press release they whine about judges under HB1020 will not be elected by the people.
Wait, no mention that ALL federal judges, and ALL justices are appointed by the president. Not one administrative law judge at any level is elected either. Federal magistrate judges aren't elected either. Minor details. Right?
The federal judge who will hear this nuisance and costly law suit is...wait for it...not elected either.
NE Jackson, form your own city! It won't get any better!
10:41- It’s a Democrat issue. You get everything you deserve.
@11:39...you are so correct- the NAACP is nothing more than a race mongering, bigoted organization
Who the hell is funding these organizations???
Why was the northern boundary of the CCID changed to Northside drive rather than County Line?
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