Jackson Free Press

Listen to Mayor Frank Melton's infamous interview with Mr. Charles Evers now.

Mayor Frank Melton personally called the Jackson Free Press, WAPT and other media and invited us to attend this week's ComStat meeting, after the Jackson Free Press on Monday and WAPT on Tuesday published a ComStat overview that showed crime surging in Jackson. Following are excerpts of a transcript of the interchange between media, the chief and the mayor:

(Clarion-Ledger) Chief, is this a weekly meeting to help you keep track of what’s going on citywide?

(Chief Anderson) This is an in-house meeting to keep track of the precincts so specialized units can be informed of what’s going on so they can cooperate with each other.

(CL) This helps you track week to week, sort of get a sort of continuity of crime by having this touch base meeting.

(Chief Anderson) Yes, that would be fair to say. Mr. Scott is the statistician of the ComStat service for us. Once information is entered into the system that we have, he retrieves it, we analyze it and put together, but the components that are missing is we have been reporting here today that the media seldom makes a report on, they report basically the number of auto thefts, the number of crimes but they never report the number of individuals arrested or how many automobiles have been covered, or the crime drop in that area, how many cases were prosecuted, what the outcome was, how many cases were presented for prosecuted. None of that is reported, but we’ve been given that information along with the raw information. It takes all of that to make it work. It’s just not that one component.

(Mayor Melton) Let me add something, because I think there comes a time when you have to put the cards on the table and there are some things that I want to make very clear. First of all, I support the police department and I support this police department 150 percent. And there are three elements that we’re dealing with in the justice system that I think we need you all’s help on. The police make the arrest. They do the investigation. Then there ‘s the prosecution, then there’s the adjudication. And what has me bothered more than anything else in the world is that this police department is having to re-arrest the same people multiple times. I can cite a couple of cases where one individual was arrested 51 times by the JPD. I can cite another case where an alleged gang member was arrested 74 times by the JPD.
We don’t prosecute; we don’t adjudicate. The thing I’m worried about is they do a great job. Obviously everybody in the room knows I’ve been out there with them but it is so frustrating when you go and get this guy for auto burglary or auto theft an then you’ve got to go and get this same person week after week after week.
Since I’ve been mayor I’ve made it clear: anyone that uses a weapon in this community to hurt another human being, we want them held without bail before they go before a judge. Just the fact that you use a weapon to hurt a human being suggests to me that you’re a danger to society, but we don’t control that part of it. So based on my view, what I’ve seen in the last nine months…the police are working and doing a good job, but one thing that’s not going to happen—and I want to say this in front of the chief and command staff and everybody in here—we’re not going to be managed by the media. We’re going to do what we think is right. We’re going to do what we think is in the best interest of the community, but the media will have no influence on the way we do our jobs, and secondly, we’re not going to tell you what the strategy is. For years, people in positions have sat around and said ‘we’re going to do this roadblock’ or this or that or whatever. That puts the policeman in harm’s way, and we’re not going to do that because one of the key factors that these men and women have to work with is the element of surprise, and if we sit and tell the bad guys how we’re going to come at them it won’t make any sense whatsoever. But this police department has my full support. We’ve made a number of changes. We’re going to continue to make some changes, but I’m very proud of them and I’m going to continue to support them, but I think that it’s just like chief Anderson says, we have to look at all the facts. They arrest, the prosecutors prosecute, the judges adjudicate, and it takes all three of us working simultaneously to get this to work, but it’s inexcusable for an officer to have to face the same individual over 50 times before something is done….
In terms of the crime stats, I don’t care what you say. I think you all know me well enough to know that I don’t even read that stuff, but I’ll tell you this: for the first time now you know the truth. You know the truth. We have not re-classified anything. The stats are the stats.
…

(Anderson) We’re not trying to hide anything as far as stats. I’ll be the first to say, hey, crime is up. But I want to let you know one thing for certain: every report on anything that happens is reported as it’s classified as. If it’s an auto theft, it’s an auto theft. If it gets sent back from prosecution telling us to reduce it to a trespassing and a misdemeanor we have no control over that. So we don’t re-classify something to make the numbers go down. If it means one thing: we are out there making arrests, so those numbers are going to go up. If you’re not making arrests the numbers don’t go up, so that means a whole lot of things can make the numbers go up. So we’re letting the numbers go up because we’re going to make arrests.

(Mayor) Let me interject one more thing. You’re so correct, but I want to tell everybody in this room, you know, I’m from this world (pointing to reporters) right here, and don’t let this stuff bother you. I’m just telling you up front. Don’t let it bother you. and I want to clear up one more thing while the media’s here: I’ve always said since I’ve been in office that any of you have the right to talk to the media anytime you want to talk with them as long as you tell them the truth, but I don’t want you to be swayed by this. I don’t want you to be influenced by this because—here’s the truth: you don’t have to say anything to them. There’s no law, there is no rule, there is nothing that says you ever have to say a durned thing to the media. That’s not what you’re hired for. You’re hired to fight crime. So I don’t want you to think that you have to talk to them. I’d like for it, if you would, as long as you’re straightforward and honest, but there is no rule that says she, me or anybody else ever has to talk to the media. Don’t forget that.
They’re dealing right now with somebody who comes from their world and I can tell you right now I know how the game is played.

(C-L) Mayor, do you believe that reporting on crime is actually increasing the crime rate in Jackson. Are we doing this?

(Mayor) No, that’s, that is not the problem.

(C-L) Do you believe that communication between the department and the media increases crime?

(Mayor) No, not at all. It’s trying to get down to what’s best for the community.

(C-L) How’s it best for the community if you say it’s not increasing crime?

(Mayor) Because of some things that the chief just cited.

(C-L) Something wrong with more information and more open government?

(Mayor) Let me give you a perfect example. Over at Murrah High School, we got one of the best high schools that’s been recognized in the nation. Over at George Elementary School we have an inner city Level 5 school. But you all don’t want to hear that. But you let a shot be fired at Murrah and everybody in this room is going to be over there. That’s not fair. That’s not right. I’ve seen some sensationalism and I don’t care what you all do, but you are not going to dog this police department out, and I’m emphatic about that because I’ve been out there and until you go out there and put a vest on like they do you don’t have a clue in terms of what they have to deal with everyday. Do what you have to do, but as long as I’m mayor of this city, I’m going to support these men and women sitting in this room without fail.

(Nods to Anderson) Thank you chief. I’m gone. (Pridefully strides out of room)

(The reporters turn to Anderson.)

(WAPT) Chief, when do think the ComStat Web site will be up?

(Anderson) Well we’ve got a group working on it. They’re working with an outside consultant firm.

(WAPT) Any idea when we’ll get an answer?

(Anderson, turning to another officer) When do you think?

(Unamed officer) Red Laser has not told us when they expect to have it up and running. We’ve got a meeting scheduled for Monday with a follow-up meeting with individual department with Red Laser, probably a week after that.

(Anderson) It’ll be on soon. Anybody with a computer will be able to go in and look at it for themselves. The news media can take whatever portion they want and put it into press. Then the public can go back and look at it themselves.

(C-L) Will that include prosecution information?

(Anderson) Yes, we’ll try to make sure we have all the prosecution cases presented and returned. …

…
(WAPT) Increases and decreases in the different precincts. Was that compared to last week or this time last year?

(Anderson) It compared to the whole thing. We made sure that … it compared to last year, last week, and this week, so you’re getting the whole thing.

(C-L) I guess when the precinct commanders were up saying ‘we had an 8 percent increase or decrease or whatever’ were they talking about over last week or last year.

(Anderson) Last week.

(WAPT) I know several of them were down. Do you have a current year-to date this week?

(Anderson) The Clarion-Ledger published it in the paper this morning.

(WAPT) But you told us earlier that that was no longer accurate,

(Anderson) Well, it is old.

(WAPT) Is there a current one then?

(Anderson) We do it every week, but it’s a week behind.

(WAPT) So can you tell us last week’s number?

(Anderson) (looks around the room at officer) Who’s got that report?

(unnamed officer, possibly Doug Scott) Up 16 percent from last year.

(Anderson) It’s 16 percent from last year. That’s what the Clarion-Ledger reported in the paper.

(WAPT) That’s accurate then?

(Anderson) Yeah, but the fact part of it is not accurate. They went back and pulled the old report and put that in there.

(C-L) It’s not accurate because it’s old? Anything more recent?

(WAPT) Can we get the most current?

(unnamed officer) We’re trying to tell you we just gave it to you.

(Anderson) The precinct commanders just stood up there and reported the most recent to you. Weren’t you taking notes?

(WAPT) But they don’t go over every (major crime reported in the ComStat overview) They were just giving us a few. Can we get a copy of the full report?

(WAPT) I mean, you guys are all looking at a report while you’re up there reading.

(Anderson) No, we’re looking at something else that’s not dealing with ComStat.

(C-L) (gesturing to bundle of papers before Anderson) What’s that there?

(Anderson) That’s his (precinct commander) report from his precinct.

(WAPT, C-L and Lynch) Can we get that?

(Unnamed officer) No, it’s got too much information on it for the media to have.

(Anderson) It has individual’s names and addresses on it. You’re not entitled to that because that’s privileged and that’s a victim.

(WAPT) Are there parts of it we can see (to keep our numbers more up to date)?

(Anderson) I’ll get you what I think you should have. (Looks around) Anything else? If not this part of the meeting is terminated. I’ve got to—

(Lynch) I gotta question.

(Anderson, with smoldering look) Go ahead, Adam.

(Lynch) I know you point out that the statistics are a lot more honest this time around. Is there an implication that the last administration’s statistics probably weren’t as honest?

(Anderson) I wasn’t here so I’m not making any kind of implications. All I want is for the statistics to be reported as what they are, not to be changed or re-classified. If they go up, they go up. A lot of things drive crime up. The more arrests you make, the higher the crime numbers. We could sit here and not make any arrests and watch the numbers drop down, but that’s not the issue here.
Yes, we’ve been informed that the stats were played with back a year or so ago, but I’m not going to say anything because now we’re here and I just want things to be truthfully and honest, but I’m not accusing anyone of anything.

(Lynch) Could we speak to those individuals who say that the old stats were skewed or mis-reported?

(Anderson) I don’t know who the individual’s are. I ain’t got their names.

(C-L) Who informed you that the stats were played with?

(Anderson) Hey, I’m not saying anybody informed me.

(C-L) But you just said ‘I’ve been informed that the stats were played with.’

(Anderson) I’m not going to give anybody names. It’s not any use to you.

(C-L) But is that crime altering a public document?

(Lynch) The FBI would want to know.

(Anderson) I’m not going to get into that, OK?

(WAPT) Why—

(Anderson) If there are no other questions I have another meeting scheduled because I have another meeting at 1 p.m. and I need to get on with this meeting.

(Reporter) When can we get those figures?

(Anderson) By 5 o’clock. Either today or tomorrow, but you’ll have them before 5.

Previous Comments

ID

173378

Comment

"A lot of things drive crime up. The more arrests you make, the higher the crime numbers. We could sit here and not make any arrests and watch the numbers drop down, but that’s not the issue here." Am I reading this right? Aren't the stats or Comstats based on "reported crimes" not arrests? There are lots of crimes that occur which will never result in an any arrests. And, if you don't arrest the criminals that doesn't mean the crimes haven't occur.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-05-11T17:33:20-06:00

ID

173379

Comment

The following questions were asked of Chief Anderson about an hour later downstairs on the first floor of the Standard Life building by several reporters waiting for her: WAPT/Andrea Malloy: One of the things you were talking about was the more arrests were made, the more crime goes up? Can you explain what you mean by that? Chief: When arrests are made, that contributes to the numbers, when you're playing a numbers game, that contribures to the numbers. Crime can go up in those areas as far as arrests. It can also have an affect on overall numbers that was made. Ladd/JFP: How would that raise the crime rate? Chief: It would raise up in categories int he number of arrests that was made, compared to say an auto theft. If they didn't make any arrests, no clearance rates, you can show a percentage, so that part of it will go up. There are a lot of things that, you look at the overall picture of crime. Most people only look at reports the crime rate as to the number of vehicles that was stolen; they don't report the people thaat5 was arrested or the number of automobiles that was recovered. So on that side, it goes up or whatever; so it's not a bad thing. Let me tell you this; I don't have a problem diseminating the information, but I was trying and I'm still ... we're putting it in a format to where the public and the community; it will benefit them. This way they will have something they can look at and, "so, this was over in our area; what do we need to do; how can we help the police; how we can help our own community. Leaving a keys in a car, cars gets stolen. That should tell you, "hey, don't leave the keys in the car; don't leave the car running at a service station or other location be there for a few minutes. Cars are reported stoken tht we find out later wreen't stolen. Cars leased are reported stpoken. Those cars are not stolen. ... WLBT: Because of the way crime was reported by the previous adminstration, do you think this year's statistics will give you a solid base to compare to next year because you can't really compare with this year the way they're being reported as compared to last year? Chief: As they were reported last year, somewhat yes. I was only here six months of last year; this year I'll be here all year. I can look back a year from now and say this is what we did. That's why I'm not pointing fingers at anyone as far as anything they may have done. I can only be held accountable or responsible for what we're doing now. And a year from now, I can look at and judge myself and the deaprtment as to what we are doing. What we need to change and how we need to change and go another direction. WAPT/Malloy: Is it working now? Chief: Yes, it's working. We have cooperation from citizens. It must be working now because we get calls all the time from the news media wanting some information. Yes, I really do feel that it's working. We have talked to some outside personanel, not law enforcement connected, talking with them aabout things going on in their communities, getting their input on things going on here at the police department. Yes, I think it's working. Ladd/JFP: Chief, what is the evidence that statistics were manipulated by past administrations? I hear that that allegation was made (in ComStat meeting) this morning. Chief: That allegation was made by a news reporter. Ladd/JFP: I understand that it was made by the mayor and backed up by you. Chief: Uh, no, I don't think ... Ladd/JFP: So you're not saying that past people manipulated statistics? Chief: Individuals here at the police department have advised that, hey, yes, the information was manipulated, but I can't say otherwise. Ladd/JFP: So you don't have evidence that that's true? Chief: Well, they seem to think that there's evidence. Ladd/JFP: Has there been an internal investigation? Chief: No, we haven't taken the time to start an internal investigtion on that. We have been trying to go forward to put a program in place to where I want to make sure that all of the information as far as crime is reported accurately; to look at it to where there would never be a shadow of a doubt as that crime has been changed, the classificaiton of it. That's what I'm doing; I'm going forward and make sure that nothing is ever manipulated to make us look good or to make us look bad or whatever the indifference may be, that we are going to go forward with reporting crime with the classification we have. I'm not going to waste time sitting here judging what took place in the last administration; I can only be held accountable for what happened now. Ladd/JFP: So, you haven't seen solid evidence that that's true? (Chief's aide tells her it's time to go.) Chief: I won't say that yet. I'll talk to you later about that. But I've got to go.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-11T17:35:11-06:00

ID

173380

Comment

Typos will be fixed later. Gotta fly to the Chick Ball.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-11T17:36:01-06:00

ID

173381

Comment

Yes, Pike. Both Andrea Malloy and I were thoroughly confused by the chief's statement. We followed up in the press conference downstairs afterward as you can see in what I just posted. I think she's mixing up crime rates and clearance rates.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-11T17:37:40-06:00

ID

173382

Comment

It does seem like she got confused which can happen in a public forum. I'm glad y'all tried to get her to clear it up even though she didn't do a good job at it. Truth is as a citizen I don't know what "clearance rates" are nor do I think every crime will result in a conviction. But, I do know that when a crime happens in my area, my City, it affects me. The holistic picture of crime that the Chief and Safe City-ites speak of do nothing for me when my friend or neighbor is victimized! Fact is they are now using the "perception" of crime to make their arguments and to rule the roost. The tide had really begun to turn this time last year with crime going down steadily for the past few years. Now, it feels like a Katrina sized wave has washed us back upon us. When you have lived in a neighborhood several years and watched it return to life only to see it fade away in one short year because of an influx of crime it sux! It is not all Melton's fault or any one thing. You have yet to hear Melton or the Chief blame it on Katrina - which is kind of nice. But, we cannot help but to compare then to now and ask why has it changed? If the numbers were manipulated how come it felt safer in Jackson a year ago, two years ago? Not 5 or 10 years; but just a short time ago the City was really becoming safer. It wasn't perfect, just better. Am I wrong?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-05-11T18:15:49-06:00

ID

173383

Comment

Is the implication that because they're arresting more people, crimes are up? That's kind of a given. I'll take an honest increase in numbers if we're finally seeing the full scope of the Crime in Jackson. The more I read about this, the more I support an investigation into the JPD and the misreporting of numbers.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-05-11T18:39:16-06:00

ID

173384

Comment

"A lot of things drive crime up. The more arrests you make, the higher the crime numbers. We could sit here and not make any arrests and watch the numbers drop down, but that’s not the issue here." Chief Anderson Let's see if I can follow her logic: If no arrest are made, then there was no crime, hence the number of crimes committed go down when you do not make arrest. SAY WHAT? We could have stopped crime in Jackson a long time ago if we had just realized that by not making arrest there will be no crimes to report. Darn...

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2006-05-11T23:10:58-06:00

ID

173385

Comment

To add on to what Chris just said, we probably could have helped ourselves a lot if we had not let this idiot become our mayor. He had been on office since July of 2005, but has set us back ten years. I remember when he first announced that he was running for the office of mayor, WLBT interviewed someone from the Wood street area. The person on the interview was livid that Melton was running. He said that we should run Melton out of town. I sincerely believe that a lot of people took that action as "we really need Melton if the WSP are this upset". Amazing how we should have listened to that individual. I have yet to hear Melton admit that he made a mistake about anything. He ALWAYS has a finger pointed as someone else.

Author

lance

Date

2006-05-12T06:28:25-06:00

ID

173386

Comment

This would be hilarious if it wasn't so serious. I don't believe Anderson has a clue about crime, its causation or prevention. The girl is way in over her head and not being helped by a Mayor that lies, bullies and obfuscates. Unfortunately, the general public continues to be duped by these clueless clowns. Dang, I need a hug.

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-12T11:16:36-06:00

ID

173387

Comment

The person that is way over there head is Frank. At least, shirley worked with MBN legitamately. Frank just can't own up to anything. He can't admit a mistake or that he just doesn't know. He's accused the D.A. of corruption. He says that former mayor Johnson skewed the crime stats. I mean what gives. Does he think we're all stupid?

Author

tebeda

Date

2006-05-12T14:12:20-06:00

ID

173388

Comment

Well, the answer to any allegation is "please give the evidence." Those are words I use constantly. Occasionally, people can and will comply. Unfortunately, usually not.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-12T14:41:54-06:00

ID

173389

Comment

I must say, one thing that surprised me mightily when I first moved back here was just how easily people repeat allegations (or whisper about the, or put them in campaign announcements) without being questioned for evidence or response -- even by the media. It's remarkable, really, but I do sense that it's getting better and people are asking more real questions and showing more skepticism toward political innuendo. I hope we had something to do with that.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-12T14:43:51-06:00

ID

173390

Comment

The logical problem, Pike, is that an arrest should not raise crime rates, which is what she seems to be saying. It should raise the arrest, or clearance rate, not the number of crimes that have occurred. What she's saying just doesn't make sense. The thing about Chief Anderson that strikes me is that she seems way over her head. And she seems to have no interest in projecting an image of leadership to help put people's, or cops', minds at ease. That said, I like her, or at least what I've seen of her so far ... as a person. Not as a police chief. And if she is there to simply enable Mr. Melton to do what he wants, and to cover for him, she needs to go. We need a real chief who acts independently of the mayor and can run a police department. That requires leadership skills.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-12T14:51:26-06:00

ID

173391

Comment

The problem with backing up the innuendo and rumors in this case, is that no one would be willing to admit they don't investigate car thefts or whatnot. It does seem that the JFP has inspired a new wave of cynicism in regard to local politics. WAPT has always been wary, but now they're feeling more confident to go forth and stir the waters...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-05-12T15:20:50-06:00

ID

173392

Comment

Actually, like any other investigation -- all are difficult -- there should be people who took orders willing to testify or provide evidence, especially against a police chief and mayor no longer in office. Where are they? As for "cynicism," I don't prefer that word although I get your point. I don't want to inspire cynicism -- I want to megaphone that it is citizens' and media's responsibility to ask hard questions, regardless of public memes. We should demand back-up information, we should demand the truth. I don't think that is "cynicism" at all; I think it's plan ole civics.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-12T15:25:42-06:00

ID

173393

Comment

(WAPT) Are there parts of it we can see (to keep our numbers more up to date)? (Anderson) I’ll get you what I think you should have. What about the info the media and the public is SUPPOSED to have? She's a true Melton follower to the heart.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-12T15:49:35-06:00

ID

173394

Comment

Yep. It's. Not. Up. To. Them. If it's public information, it's ours. This COMSTAT report belongs to the public. Any talk of "leaks" of public information is un-American.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-12T15:53:05-06:00

ID

173395

Comment

Like you, Ladd, I also like Anderson. She is a friendly, nice person. BUT she is not a Police Chief and never will be. At some point in time she will come to the realization that she is being used by Melton and do the "right thing". God knows how much damage he will have perpetrated on the City before she has this epiphany....

Author

tomac

Date

2006-05-12T22:31:54-06:00

ID

173396

Comment

So everyone knows, The Clarion-Ledger isn't the only newspaper that tries to pass other people's stories off as their own. It's remarkable, really. The JFP gives full credit to other media outlets and sources when we pick up a story that someone else broke. But The Clarion-Ledgers folks are too lowbrow and scared to admit how they knew about the new crime stats. It's very telling. Real Mississippians are watching, Ledge. Keep making an a$$ out of yourselves. Please. Also, word is that a trash site in town stole our COMSTAT pdf from our database before it went live and tried to pass it off as their own, until our Web guru (Knol) kicked the crap out of them on their own site and made them admit they stole it from our site. Folks, y'all are all welcome to link to our PDF, but don't go around telling pathetic lies, especially ones that so easily debunked. It just makes y'all look like pathetic, jealous fools. Just sayin'.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-13T10:07:04-06:00

ID

173397

Comment

There are other sites? :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-05-13T10:31:31-06:00

ID

173398

Comment

None worth a damn. ;-D

Author

ladd

Date

2006-05-13T10:57:10-06:00