Jackson Free Press

[verbatim/Oct. 27, 2005]—Mayor Frank E. Melton issued Executive Order to address number of pedestrians being injured or killed by moving vehicles in the City of Jackson.

Executive Order 2005—WHEREAS, in an effort to reduce and/or put an end to the number of pedestrians being injured or killed by moving vehicles in the City of Jackson and with the assistance of the Jackson Police Chief, the following Executive Order is to be implemented immediately:

(1) All officers of the City of Jackson Police Department shall arrest and charge with reckless driving those moving operators who exhibit reckless endangerment when, upon the officers observation of particular circumstances, the drivers are using excessive speeds and who are engaged in reckless driving. The involved motor vehicles are to be impounded pending judicial review.

(2) Should any person involved attempt to exert improper influence with respect to who they are or who they know, a second citation is to be issued charging the individual with obstructing an officer in the discharge of duties.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that an ordinance shall be drafted and presented to the City Council prohibiting "drag racing" in the city limits of Jackson and authorizing the fine to the maximum authorized by state law.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that the City of Jackson submit proposed legislation to the State of Mississippi enhancing the penalty for repeat violators of reckless driving to a felony.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, the Jackson Police Department will implement a zero tolerance for moving violations without exception.

SO ORDERED, this the 26th day of October, 2005.

####

*Original filed in Mayor's office with signatures.

Previous Comments

ID

120420

Comment

I really, really, really hope this applies to coming to COMPLETE stops at stop signs in every neighborhood in the city. Someone is going to get killed, or kill a kid on a bike, at the stop sign in front of my house. Probably not one in 50 people actually stop at it, and the vision is obstructed on the right side. People, this is a culture that every single one of us needs to work to change. And, of course, young people watch their parents roll through stop signs and then do the same thing when they start driving. The cycle continues. How about a campaign to drive better in Jackson?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T16:00:55-06:00

ID

120421

Comment

Oh, and if one more person runs a stop sign in front of me with a cell phone plastered to their dumb-ass head, I am going to get out and citizens-arrest them myself. Just sayin'.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T16:02:03-06:00

ID

120422

Comment

Wow. Melton just did something I really, really like. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2005-10-27T16:33:07-06:00

ID

120423

Comment

Yeah, I approve of this, too ó if they will actually enforce it, rather than just talk about it. The other problem, though, is that he said at his press conference about the traffic laws last week that people should call *the chief* with complaints about people breaking laws in their neighborhoods, or if they see cops violating the traffic laws (ahem). The chief? Why can't they get enough staff appointed and then learn how to delegate? I'm not optimistic about this working if people have to call *the chief* to complain, especially with our history of dealing with her office so far. But if they can figure out how to make this work, and do it throughout the city, I think it's a great idea. BTW, it should also apply to people stopping at stop signs (like next to the Fondren Corner) building and allowing pedestrians to cross. With all due respect to my fellow Jacksonians, too many people around here drive like hicks instead of urban dwellers. They think there's no need to to stop at stop signs, give signals or even look for pedestrians. And the rolling-through-stop-sign thing is simply absurd. Of course, a lot of people don't even slow down and roll. I yell at people all the time in Belhaven to slow the hell down and stop at stop signs. Then when they do stop, it's as if they don't know how the damn system works and who goes next. Good Lord, people, grow up. We are never going to be a real city if we don't learn how drivers and pedestrians (and strollers and pets) have to co-exist.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T16:38:48-06:00

ID

120424

Comment

Whoa.... We do need to be better driversÖ But, Y'all agree with this as it is written: "(1) All officers of the City of Jackson Police Department shall arrest and charge with reckless driving those moving operators who exhibit reckless endangerment when, upon the officers observation of particular circumstances, the drivers are using excessive speeds and who are engaged in reckless driving. The involved motor vehicles are to be impounded pending judicial review. (2) Should any person involved attempt to exert improper influence with respect to who they are or who they know, a second citation is to be issued charging the individual with obstructing an officer in the discharge of duties." So, if you roll through that STOP sign and are caught, then you find it fair to have your car impounded. This fly's smack into the face of the "curfew" story. The punishment does not fit the crime. It's not even a crime... it's a TRAFFIC VIOLATION based on "... upon the officers observation of particular circumstances, the drivers are using excessive speeds and who are engaged in reckless driving." Isn't this a little bit too much leeway on the definition of "reckless driving?" Better not touch that double yellow line in front of JPD blue less you want to lose what green you have. Like the curfew law, this appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to a few isolated instances in hopes of snagging the "selected" offenders they are targeting while hiding behind the ìall inclusiveî order. I'm sorry; but, a ticket is fine for the drivers who roll through a stop sign or for other minor violations Now, if they are going 70+ down a street the penalty is still only somewhat fair. Maybe one ticket and a warning, then a second time results in impoundment. We must allow for justifiable or mental mistake driving infractions based on the circumstances. You will never know how the police will react once they pull you over. You hope they believe your story; but, as Ms. Berryhill (??) will confess anything can happen! So, to give police the power to impound your car for a moving violation based on their observation is crazy! No wonder they are not going to protect the police in lawsuits. There is so much more to this then to just give it a nod of approval without further research. I bet more children are injured by cars in parking lots then on city streets? I know I was once! Last I checked the police already had the right to pull you over for reckless driving, speeding, etc and have a slew of options including arrest and impoundment of your car... Which leads to Part 2....

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-10-27T17:53:12-06:00

ID

120425

Comment

I agree with pikersam... Impounding a car for speeding? Seems a bit extremist from my seat in the room! As a person that's had to dive from a bike into a ditch because of a drunken car full of Belhaven girls rolling through a stop sign (with beers waving in hand), I still don't support this as it's worded.

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-27T18:09:04-06:00

ID

120426

Comment

Part (2) of this ìexecutive orderî is egomaniacal and shows what kind of citizens supported Melton. And, a whole lot about Melton! Who in their right mind goes around saying, ìI know the Mayor, so donít give me a ticket.î I guess we need to recognize that a lot of citizens must be using this to try and get out of tickets for speeding and reckless driving or why does it need to be issued in an ìexecutive order?î Not only that, he had been bragging in public he was going to instruct officers to do that anyway. So, who continues to do this? Shouldnít we be more concerned about the citizens who are ìattempting to exert improper influenceÖî on JPD when they are obviously being pulled over for some reason and why they ìthinkî they have such a close relationship with the mayor? Again, this is another wrong move by a wayward cowboy! He canít control the bureaucratic process, so he grasps for power where he can in pseudo law enforcement antics, and the transparent (and uninformed) methods of exerting his might which are futile at best. It is so sad to watch him struggle with his napoleon complex. I hope he gets help one dayÖ sooner rather then later! I wonder if his closest advisors are caught for speeding will they have their car impounded. Better not be late to court and plan for traffic jams and wrecks because you wouldnít want to become a ìlead-foot demonî barreling to your destination. Canít you see Ms. Fordice screaming to the tow truck driver who is now towing her car away instead of being stopped for littering, ìIím Not Your Mama! Now give me my car, I work for the Mayor!î ìThen you know who to talk too, Officer give her another ticket,î he replies. So, the other Sunday night (Oct 16th) when I saw a line of 3 JPD cars, Meltonís car, another unmarked car, and then three more JDPís behind them going about 90 down I-55S towards downtown from NEJax ñ only to end up at the fair moments later as reported by friends who were there that evening (unknowing what I had witnessed) ñ it is OK? 8-o

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-10-27T18:17:36-06:00

ID

120427

Comment

OK, I see y'all's points, even thought I seriously, seriously want better enforcement of traffic laws, especially in our neighborhoods. But the impoundment thing, for instance, sounds like typical-Melton-cowboy-swagger-and-hyperbole-that's-likely-not-enforceable. Here's another question: How does that person get to work so they don't lose their job, and not be able to feed their family, while their car is impounded? Why don't he always have to go too far, and then end up not getting anything done? This whole thing will probably get tossed because it's so over the top when, in fact, they should be enforcing the law and giving HEFTY fines for anyone who even rolls through a stop sign. Yeah, and the "who they know" thing is weird coming from an administration built on cronyism with people in positions only, seemingly, because of "who they know." Plus, I don't believe for a minute that there isn't a certain Melton crowd that would be above the law, were they do be stopped. So, OK, I'm not so hot on it. The concept of better enforcement of traffic laws, yes. This cowboy B.S., no. It's huff and puff, and has little to do with effective governing.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:23:24-06:00

ID

120428

Comment

"the kind of citizens who supported..." should read: "kind of mindset of the citizens who voted for him." Meaning those who bought into the coverage of Melton during the campaign and his message - which was none and/or to impossible, ignored his antics at the JNA event and other comments, and ultimately either stayed home or voted for him. I didn't mean "his supporters" as we are all willing to "support" him as a great citizen, and as a Jacksonian (on weekdays); but, he is just out of his element as mayor.

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-10-27T18:28:56-06:00

ID

120429

Comment

Well, I must say that there are no real surprises yet from his administration. That is, if you paid attention to anything other than sound bites during the campaign. Still, these little fits and starts, then nothing, then another fit and start are getting old fast. You don't lead a capital city by making overblown pronouncements every few weeks and then hope no one notices what you actually said, and whether or not it happens. He just needs to instruct the police force (meaning, not him, because he is NOT a police officer or a journalist, for that matter) to enforce the damn traffic laws, then get out of their way and stop the chinny-chin-chin-blow-your-house-down act. The hyperbole is getting old.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:35:16-06:00

ID

120430

Comment

I am definitely in favor of a "Better, Smarter Driving" campaign. It's the little things that make big city traffic better. Blinkers, not getting stuck out in the middle during a Red/Green change. Scoot your car up when going straight and there is a left turn lane you are blocking. Let a car in line when they get stuck in the wrong lane or need to get over. Pay attention! And, most importantly, when in a neighborhood off the main streets - RELAX - as you drive through to the next major thoughfare - Then drive like a bat out of hell.... joking!!! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-10-27T18:36:44-06:00

ID

120431

Comment

And completely stop for every damn stop sign. Pike, you give me an idea. Maybe while Melton blusters, the JFP should start a "Bright Driving, Big City" campaign, or some such. We could run house ads with traffic tips, maybe put posters around, have an art contest for young drivers, or other ideas. The key here is to get people to understand that everything they do when they drive (like not turning on a blinker or roaring up to a stop sign so others don't know if they're going to stop or not) affects other people. We need to strive to make people's attitudes about driving more sophisticated (and give stiff fines for violations). While Mr. Melton is off presumably trying to deflect attention away from his serious legal problems -- sorry, but why do we always get a big proclamation right after a court date??? -- the rest of us should do the legwork and get something like this going. If we do, we WILL save lives. And we'll teach young people good driving habits at a time when they'll stick. Let's start with "I Stop at Stop Sign" buttons. ;-D Let's do it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:43:57-06:00

ID

120432

Comment

People around here drive like idiots, but this is way too extreme. Let's enforce the existing rules. And, I've seen way too many police cars speeding in my neighborhood. If they're going to go flying down neighborhood streets well above the speed limit, then they need to have lights on and sirens going. I avoid walking the dogs over by the Precinct Station on State St, they're so bad.

Author

kate

Date

2005-10-27T18:45:46-06:00

ID

120433

Comment

Agreed. Let's target the cops as part of OUR campaign. Melton said they were going to, but again, he said to call *the chief* about bad cop driving. And the chief doesn't even answer her cell phone from our experience.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:47:22-06:00

ID

120434

Comment

Seriously, though, we need the good driving campaign. Badly. People around Jackson drive like dumb-asses. And I don't even mean speeding, per se. You can drive fast and not be a bad driver (although you shouldn't in neighborhoods and such). I mean no signals, no understanding of four-way stops, rolling through stop signs so other drivers have no clue what you're doing, and so on. AND GET OFF THE FRIGGIN' CELL PHONES. Fine, if you have to answer it quickly and get off, perhaps -- but these stupid conversations while you're driving are PLAIN IGNORANT. Now, I will say one thing: If they're DRAG-RACING through city streets, take their damn car. I'll go Dr. Laura on that one. Meantime, though, people nearly run me down when I'm walking through Fondren because they're too big of idiots to know to look out for pedestrians. Or they think they get to go before a pedestrian crosses a street. THAT's hick driving behavior. Just stop it, peeps. And if you don't let a pedestrian pass, a cop should pull you over and give you a ticket for reckless driving. A hefty one. Only consistency will change this reckless culture. Not impounding cars and then getting sued because people can't drive to work the next day.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:52:49-06:00

ID

120435

Comment

One more thing, and I'll stop raving. If you don't want to come to a complete stop because you drive some big-ass gas guzzler, then don't drive some big-ass gas guzzler. It's your fault if you couldn't figure out that a gas-price crisis was on its way and now you're saddled with a hulk of steel that costs a fortune every time you hit the gas pedal. But don't put the rest of our lives in danger. Park the thing and buy a hybrid or something.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-10-27T18:54:51-06:00

ID

120436

Comment

I don't know what I consider to be the biggest, traffic issue: 1) SUVs. 2) Cell phones. 3) Packs of motorcycles going 50+ through the city. I personally have seen more clusters of motorcycles and police cars [without sirens or lights activated] wrecklessly hauling ass through N. Fondren and on the interestate. Not only is it dangerous, it's insanely loud and completely stupid. While we're banging on traffic violations, can we also ask to kill the bass you can hear blocks away? I can't imagine any song good enough to make my ears bleed... Well, there is that song by John Denver... ;-) But, doesn't the issue of hit and runs go into other problems like no secured bike lanes and sidewalks? Take a look at Fondren and many portions of Belhaven. Most streets don't have sidewalks (for foot traffic) or have one side partially "sidewalked". If people can't get out of the road, they're obviously going to be in it and more of a target for reckless drivers. Maybe he could put his new Quality of Life posse on that problem!

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T01:20:42-06:00

ID

120437

Comment

My beef is people in the interstate that don't understand the term "Merge". They act like the on ramp is a race and they are going to LOSE if they let you on. I yell about that all the time. I have also been known to hang my hand out the window and show them what I think of their inabiliity to just GET OVER. My theory is that most people in Jackson grew up in smaller towns, or something, and therefore have no concept that things like "merging" are ultimately about traffic flow and HELP BOTH OF US in the end. No one "wins" the race if we die. That, and if there is another wreck on water works that causes BOTH sides of the interstate to completely shut down because people wanna see dead bodies, I will lose it. When I was driving in LA last year, I marveled at their ability to fly 90 miles an hour past a bus that was turned upside down on the other side of the Freeway with seemingly NO INTEREST in what was inside of it, on top of it, or what the police were doing. ;) Knol-yesterday there were two kids beside me at an intersection and the base in their car was so loud their bumper (which was half hanging off) was vibrating in time and causing this horrible death metal rattle. I was like "Hello, does that sound GOOD to you ? Because its making me want to tear my eyeballs out" I will say that I got a ticket in Belhaven in the spring for "failure to stop at a stop sign" and I HAD ACTUALLY STOPPED. It was the first time I got a ticket for something I did NOT do. I got in an argument with the police officer because a forty-foot Suburban was between me and her, so it was obvious that she couldn't see what *I* was doing. If she would have had the authority to impound my car because of that, I would have been mightily pissed. So, I'm not sure about all that. I think its another way in which we lose rights. I deserved the right to fight that ticket in court before they took away my car. That "impounded pending judicial review" sounds like guilty until proven innocent to me..and that's not the way this country works. I think that may conclude my rant about the inability of people to DRIVE in this state.

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-10-28T07:02:47-06:00

ID

120438

Comment

Lots of points being made here: 1) due process and procedural problems, 2) poor driving habits and enforcement, 3) mayoral arrogance. All valid points. I especially agree that cops themselves are some of the worst drivers in the area. I daily see what could be defined as reckless endangerment, excessive speeds, and reckless driving on the parts of lae enforcement officials. I've seen them cruise through red lights (not in persuit of anything but daydreams), speeding past other motorists out on 55 (again not in persuit), and tailgating. I can't even begin to tell you how often I have seen cops make improper lane changes-- no signal and failure to give required space for the lane change. And this isn't just once set of cops. I've seen it done by jackson cops, hinds County cops, Mississippi highway Patrol, and even cop cars from other jurisdiction as the pass through-- Rankin, pearl, clinton, and out of area ones like DeSoto and meridian cops. So here's my question, can I impound their vehicles pending a day in court?

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-28T07:32:48-06:00

ID

120439

Comment

I have been pulled over a few times for windows too dark but i have to drive a lot and it ain't cool getting that drivers sunburn on one arm. I admit i know there are safety issues with other high threat people and i shouldn't immunize myself just because i know i'm not about to shoot any cops. Other states, even alabama, have instituted mandatory headset laws on cell phones, no phone to ear while driving. MS is still behind. Jackson is not a pedestrian friendly city at all. Lack of sidewalks, close proximity yada yada yada. Noone yields in fondren or jackson. I have been pleasantly surprised in Seattle and boston where people come to a complete stop if you are on the other side of the street. Its kind of flattering really. If you do stop you get flicked off or honked at by people like ali,joking, who are busy sticking their hands out of windows. The merge issue does suck becase 55 goes from 4 lane to 2 lane in the course of about 2 miles. People who are getting on are about to run into people trying to get off the interstate. Not well designed not much to do about it now except take the state street exit and be by yourself.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-10-28T07:35:22-06:00

ID

120440

Comment

Finally, and this one may make me some enemies, can we get the cops to enforce jaywalking laws? I think a lot of the pedestrian problems are not only due to poor drivers not paying attention, put a lot of folks (of all ages) seem to thing they are entitled to cross anywhere on a street or play out in a street or walk down the middle of a street. I walk frequently and I want to encourage others to do so too but I also know that crosswalks and pedestrian right of ways are there for a purpose and I need to adhere to them.

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-28T07:36:52-06:00

ID

120441

Comment

Rex, I have to jaywalk to get to a sidewalk in my neighborhood... That or walk through a thorny, viney, bridge-crossing to get to a crosswalk about a an 1/8-1/4 of a mile away. It's a huge problem throughout the city. Now, don't get me wrong... If there is an accessible crosswalk nearby, I use it. Still, it's no different than jaywalking because NO ONE yeilds the right of way to my pedestrian ass...

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T07:42:46-06:00

ID

120442

Comment

There are NO sidewalks in my neighborhood and yes it is a problem. But at the same time I know how to safely walk on the side of the street and move into the grassy public right of way when a car comes by. I also know which side of the street to walk on depending on which direction I'm going. If I do have to cross without the aid of a crosswalk, I make damn sure that no cars are coming before I take a step. I can't say any of that for most of the neighborhood pedestrians or the office workers on their errands and breaks downtown.

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-28T07:49:02-06:00

ID

120443

Comment

Oh, excellent point on direction of movement... Few people (motorists and peds) seem aware. People! Walkers walk INTO traffic flow making it easier to see oncoming traffic... Cyclists ride with the flow of traffic and obey rules similar to motorists (stopping at intersections, merging, yielding, etc) meaning motorists should be extremely aware of cyclists especially in residential areas...

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T07:52:52-06:00

ID

120444

Comment

Knol, please remind cyclists that they DO NOT belong on our precious sidewalk space! Man, I sound like a curmudgeon.

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-28T07:56:20-06:00

ID

120445

Comment

Your right, Rex... But, as a person that likes to ride bikes, I will say that's one of the safest places for a cyclist. Seriously. The only place I feel remotely safe riding my bike is on Old Canton or a sidewalk... To get to the bike lane is an obstacle course that I loathe where I must dodge several busy intersections where cyclists (but not peds) are routinely ignored. If you see a cyclist on a sidewalk, chances are s/he's trying to avoid an inevitable car bumper from careening into his/her spinal cord. I think what we've decided is IMPOUNDING CARS won't solve the problem. Melton needs to hear the people's consistent complaints about lacking alternatives to auto transportation -- sidewalks, bike lanes, better and longer bus lines. Impounding cars won't keep people from walking or riding their bikes in the roads... Sidewalks and bike lanes will.

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T08:04:03-06:00

ID

120446

Comment

If I see a cyclist on a sidewalk, I would hope s/he is walking beside the bike and not riding it.

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-28T08:12:15-06:00

ID

120447

Comment

I promise, if you see me, it's because people often top speeds of 60mph on my street that has a 35mph speed limit. I'm not exaggerating and calls and personal conversations with officers have yielded no results (especially when the cops fly by at faster speeds with no sirens or lights)... It's the ONE sidewalk I have access to (and I do respect peds using it since I do realize I'm not supposed to use it) or constant, near-death experiences. As long as the streets are insanely crazy and allowances are not made for the peds/cyclists that actually use the roads, you'll continue to see me and my bike hit empty sidewalks and people's yards as often as possible when the streets are busy with idiot drivers. There's really no other choice.

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T08:21:20-06:00

ID

120448

Comment

Fast JPD traffic in Fondren is a no-brainer. It is due to the location of the Precinct 4 station house. Access and egress is 100% surface streets. The trips to and fro have been a problem since the day JPD moved in. Locating in the SW corner of a vertically rectangular precinct stretching miles up State to County Line then eastward to Old Canton and the Pearl River guarantees it will continue. I'm not saying all of JPD's speed is necessary but many of those trips are dispatches where time is of the essence. The activity is not completely random or without explanation. Only a percentage of calls can be made like a reduced power takeoff from an airport. A physical JPD presence comes at a price. The costs must be weighed against the benefits. JPD could be asked to relocate the station house to a spot more centralized within the precinct though the vast majority of Fondrenites would balk at doing so.

Author

GeoRoss

Date

2005-10-28T09:22:28-06:00

ID

120449

Comment

They COULD use the sirens and/or lights when SPEEDING down the streets. Isn't that what they're for. As it is, the bulk of sirens I hear in Fondren are Fire and Rescue... Not Police warning of their speed and approach. I watched a car and an individual nearly get hit by SIX, silent, speeding police cars coming from State down Meadowbrook (while walking my dog). I'm just saying it poses a huge risk. If there is a dire need to get that many police to an area across the interstate, better planning and strategy need to be implemented to have police better spread throughout the area.

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T09:31:29-06:00

ID

120450

Comment

Maybe they could move Precinct 4 to the empty McRae's on Meadowbrook. I like their new location; but it is not in a great spot for ingress and egress of the police. With the McRae's building they could house more police offices, training, community rooms, and maybe a repair shop for the cars. It could be a N Jackson - JPD headquaters with multi purpose police services... Better driving seminars.... Ideally, I'd rather have retail; but, it is an idea. I am guilty of using my cell while driving; but, I am trying to use the ear piece more. That is a great law they have in other states. Melton could try and "executive order" headphones for cell phones while driving.

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-10-28T10:21:25-06:00

ID

120451

Comment

Ladd ñ î He just needs to instruct the police force (meaning, not him, because he is NOT a police officer or a journalist, for that matter) to enforce the damn traffic laws, then get out of their way and stop the chinny-chin-chin-blow-your-house-down act. The hyperbole is getting old.î ...and that, my friends, is the bottom line!

Author

K RHODES

Date

2005-10-28T10:46:22-06:00

ID

120452

Comment

Where am I? Eastern Europe? Is this a police state (yet)? Ok, I get the spirit of this, but this is out of control. Except the drag racing, boo drag racing. Can we outlaw NASCAR too? Has anyone mentioned that the majority of the police cars (when not on call or in pursuit) fail to follow basic traffic laws....such as turn signals when changing lanes...I was always taught lead by example...and when you run that stop light (as previously touched upon) use the siren and lights...that's why you are an emergency vehicle.

Author

MANGUM

Date

2005-10-28T12:02:04-06:00

ID

120453

Comment

Trey, you make an excellent point about "leading by example." Is it possible that when the police do not abide by the laws they enforce, they are feeding a crime culture or at the very least causing a lack of respect regarding law enforcement?

Author

kaust

Date

2005-10-28T12:08:04-06:00

ID

120454

Comment

Does anyone know if this little tidbit got covered by ANY other news org in the area? I never saw anything in the Clarion Ledger or on any of the tv stations. Maybe I just didn't catch it?

Author

Rex

Date

2005-10-31T16:36:10-06:00

ID

120455

Comment

Can't say it made the news besides here. I asked around and most people were like..."Umm...can't cops do that already. Just enforce the laws we have." In other news, our favorite Jackson Police Spokesperson, Frank Melton, made the paper yesterday. BTW: My heart goes out to the families of these boys... it's really sad. How many hats does this man wear? Add that to today's news that whatever Heidel can't do Frank or someone can handle.... "O'Reilly-Evans said Heidel's contract will limit him strictly to contract services. "The day-to-day of the department will be taken care of by the mayor or CAO or any appointment the mayor chooses to make," she said. Melton said it wouldn't bother him to have Heidel as a contracted, non-employee director. "I'm thinking of contracting the whole department," he said." Who else is going to get fired so we can afford this? And to our "elected by the same people who elected Melton" City Council members... How does it feel to be talked to like children? "Melton withdrew his nomination of interim Fire Chief Todd Chandler last week, not for anything against Chandler, he said, but because he felt the council wasn't ready to confirm Chandler. "I'm not going to subject him to that kind of embarrassment. When certain behavior stops on the council, then I'll bring him forward again," Melton said" Please, somebody remind him that we elected these people to Council for a reason. They are our "checks and balance" leaders who are to protect the citizens from a mayor who wants to exert his influence unduly upon the people. He should realize when he talks down to them he is talking down to the citizens of Jackson. Not to mention how bad it makes him look. It appears the problem lies in the fact that the Mayor can't handle the rigors of gov't process. That's a scary thought if a major crisis was to ever happen in Jackson.

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-11-01T09:13:40-06:00

ID

120456

Comment

Well, maybe when JPD officers stop killing people we could get this show on the road.

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-11-01T09:20:20-06:00