To combat escalating violent crime, drug trafficking and related offenses in Mississippi’s capital city of Jackson, authorities have launched “Operation Unified,” as announced by Governor Tate Reeves on February 13.
The operation, a collaborative effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, aims to bolster public safety in Jackson by increasing police presence and targeting criminal elements.
“Jacksonians deserve to live in peace, and they should not have to fear for their safety while running errands or commuting to work,” Reeves said.
The initiative, which commenced in January, was touted as a united front against crime.
“Together with our local and federal partners, we will put a stop to it. As one unified front that is committed to stopping violent crime, this operation will help us to do exactly that. I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners for helping us tackle the crime plaguing this fantastic city,” the governor continued.
While specifics regarding the operational strategies were not disclosed, officials assured that resources have been mobilized to address the pressing issues.
The operation brings together a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol Police, Office of Homeland Security, Jackson Police Department, Hinds County District Attorney, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jackson, with a population of nearly 150,000, has been grappling with alarming homicide rates, leading the nation in killings per capita in 2023, according to data analyzed by WLBT-TV.
Jackson Police Department Chief Joseph Wade said that January was a particularly violent month for the city.
“That violence does not represent the good people of Jackson,” Wade said. “It did represent that we still have a lot of work to do to break the cycle of violence in our city.”
The bipartisan collaboration between Reeves, a Republican, and Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, a Democrat, showcased the urgency from public officials in addressing public safety concerns.
Lumumba expressed commitment to safeguarding residents.
“Our goal will not be for them to feel policed, but to feel protected,” the mayor said.
Operation Unified signals a departure from past disagreements between state and local leaders over crimefighting strategies. For instance, Reeves previously signed legislation expanding the jurisdiction of Capitol Police and establishing a state-run court in certain areas of Jackson. Despite challenges and legal disputes from Democrats and the NAACP, the law was upheld.
During his announcement, Reeves issued a stern warning to criminals: “Your time here is over. You don’t run this city, and you are not immune to the law. We will not surrender our streets to you, and we will never — and I mean never — rest until you are behind bars.”
