Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank E. Melton announced Wednesday that he is implementing a change in leadership at the Jackson Police Department. Police Chief Shirlene Anderson has been offered a new position as a special assistant to the Mayor. In this new capacity, Anderson would coordinate all emergency services, including police, fire and disaster response. She would also oversee interagency communications between local, county, state and federal law enforcement.

The decision to replace Anderson was difficult, said Mayor Melton. He added that the key priorities for the new police chief would be to stop the illegal distribution of narcotics, enhance gun interdiction strategies, and eliminate juvenile truancy.

"Chief Anderson has done an excellent job in implementing a true community policing policy in our City. For this, we will always be grateful," he said. "I have deep respect for her personally and professionally, and I admire her uncompromising commitment to providing exceptional service to the people of Jackson."

Mayor Melton has appointed Commander Gerald Jones to serve as interim police chief until a successor is named.

Previous Comments

ID

96811

Comment

Well, well, it looks like "thetruth" can be trusted with good info. The JFP reader broke the news today here at 12:02 p.m. Nice going, thetruth.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-14T17:31:27-06:00

ID

96812

Comment

Shirlene Anderson has been offered a new position as a special assistant to the Mayor. (1.) And this is different...how? and the runner-up questions: (2.) Another salary? (3.) Is she a good swimmer?

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2007-11-14T17:31:49-06:00

ID

96813

Comment

She can clean a mean kitchen. I know that from experience. This does seem anticlimactic at this point. Although, Gerald Jones is an intriguing choice. First, he was sent to the dog pound, and now this?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-14T17:33:50-06:00

ID

96814

Comment

She's "super chief" now! Hat tip to Kim Wade for that one.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-11-14T17:40:23-06:00

ID

96815

Comment

So I guess Tyrone and Lee are just SOL. Cold blooded.

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-11-14T19:52:32-06:00

ID

96816

Comment

Now was Gerald formerly over Animal Control?

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-11-14T20:07:18-06:00

ID

96817

Comment

Police Chief Shirlene Anderson has been offered a new position as a special assistant to the Mayor. Does this pretty much mean that she will be promoted to the position of Melton's shadow? I already thought that was the case.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-14T21:22:36-06:00

ID

96818

Comment

So I guess Tyrone and Lee are just SOL. Cold blooded. Maybe they rolled their eyes or something...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-14T21:23:31-06:00

ID

96819

Comment

I watched WAPT, and was impressed with Det. Cloy's comments. They also pointed out that Shirlene demanded a 4 year contract at $112,000 (or whatever) a year. So, we are stuck with her much like SORE's contract, I believe. I will refrain from any finger pointing as to how all this happened since it is like beating a dead horse.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-11-14T21:32:23-06:00

ID

96820

Comment

I'm hearing that other deputy chiefs turned it down. So we're paying for two chiefs the next two years. Thanks, Melton.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-14T21:34:05-06:00

ID

96821

Comment

Crisler wants to know who's going to pay Shirline for her "new" job. So...does that mean we'd be paying her two salaries if she took on the new job?

Author

msgrits

Date

2007-11-14T22:06:59-06:00

ID

96822

Comment

No, she is still only worth her contract value. I just think we have to keep her unless she is fired for just cause? I'm sure the legal eagles will chime in soon.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-11-14T22:23:37-06:00

ID

96823

Comment

Where is the JFP Legal Eagle Squad anyway? They're usually swarming all over this site, dropping their two cents. You'd think we were the Bar Association or something. Ray, you out drankin'???

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-14T22:27:32-06:00

ID

96824

Comment

This is my favorite part from Melton's release above: “Chief Anderson has done an excellent job in implementing a true community policing policy in our City. For this, we will always be grateful,” Yeah, and Frank Melton brought "grace and benevolence" to the city, too.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-14T22:29:28-06:00

ID

96825

Comment

Assuming this chief isn't a deaf-mute like the last one, the first question reporters should ask is: "Will you allow Mayor Frank Melton to conduct illegal police activity at the expense of the city?" The second question: "Will you allow Mayor Frank Melton to illegally (State Auditor says so.) transport underaged youths to his home at the expense of the city?" If the anwsers aren't "No", then he's just another puppet.

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-11-15T06:39:17-06:00

ID

96826

Comment

Y'all are being too hard on the mayor. How many of y'all juggle a family in Texas, the City of Jackson, Boys Club, the Mayor's Office and the Jackson Police Department. I believe Frank is trying and things are looking up, and that is before and after he got up; therefore I write a song to cheer the mayor and non-haters on. Here we go now! "There've been so many things that have held us down. But now it looks like things are finally comin'around, yeah. I know we've got a long way to go. And where we'll end up, I don't know. But we wont' let nothing hold us back. We gonna get ourselves together, ha. We're gonna polish up our act, yeah. And if you ever been held down before, I know you will refuse to be held down anymore. (Frank) Don't let nothing, nothin' stand in your way. I want you to listen -listen to every word I say. I say every word I say. Aint no stopping us now. We're on the move. You say, we've got the groove I know you know someone whose's got a negative vibe. And if you only happen the only keep you have. They really don't have anywhere to go. Ask them where they're going, they don't know. Ain't no stopping us now. He's on the move. Yo say, I got the groove."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-15T09:01:10-06:00

ID

96827

Comment

(Please do not post allegations about people without providing evidence to the JFP. Such comments will be deleted.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-15T09:34:12-06:00

ID

96828

Comment

frank plays a mean game of Chess and so far, he has the QUEEN "in check." The long and short of this story is that frank wants to fire Sherline, but, she knows where all of the bones are buried. Since there is no such position as the one given her and there is no money to finance the position, it will be dead on the vine. So, melton will not have to fire Anderson: The Council will be the bad guys. Gerald Jones, the new Interim Police Chief, is the character from the dog pound. He was charged with sexual abuse of several female inmates assigned to the dog pound for work de-tail. He allegedly took advantage of "DE-TAIL." The internal investigation found consentual sex and a small fine was assessed. Ray Carter, There is some stopping HIM now: He's got to move: We've got the groove. LOL!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-15T09:38:07-06:00

ID

96829

Comment

I was reading her contract, it looks like she will only be paid 2 months salary. The contract was posted on the CL but someone else might want to verify this... The Little Ladies Contract

Author

Puck

Date

2007-11-15T09:51:10-06:00

ID

96830

Comment

Justjess, I knew you would know the McFadden and Whitehead song from the Sound of Philadelphia. I heard it at Shoney's this morning and couldn't resist using it. Shirlene was promoted not fired. She's the assistant mayor. Maybe we'll get something from the mayor's office at last. LW still got jokes. So too do many folks. What law(s) are y'all talking about? I hope I haven't posted any allegations without proof. If I did I didn't intend to.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-15T09:51:16-06:00

ID

96831

Comment

No, Ray, I deleted the offending post. Carry on.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-15T09:54:08-06:00

ID

96832

Comment

Ray Carter, I have that CD and it's one of my favorites! PuckInJax, Sherline had a contract that would have ended in 2009, the chick should have walked. Just think of being at home for 2 years watching TV, going for a walk in the park, sleeping at hs while frank EN his Steins are rambling around the streets of Jackson looking for drugs and hugs in all the wrong places. Ladd, My Bad. I guess I was posting at the time of the warning. This information is however verifiable. THE CHICK SHOULD HAVE WALKED!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-15T10:03:28-06:00

ID

96833

Comment

Frank is telling the clarion ledger he will name a chief by Friday. I think he ought to go with Recio as chief and Wright as assistant chief and Frank as Robo Cop.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-15T15:16:13-06:00

ID

96834

Comment

Where is Wyatt Earp when you need him!

Author

Big Tee

Date

2007-11-15T16:11:44-06:00

ID

96835

Comment

Or better yet...the Black Sheriff from Blazing Saddles!!!

Author

Big Tee

Date

2007-11-15T16:12:46-06:00

ID

96836

Comment

someone told me to leave out 'Black'...my bad miss!

Author

Big Tee

Date

2007-11-15T16:14:19-06:00

ID

96837

Comment

Can’t see you Frank or his new pick standing on a podium saying ‘excuse me while whip this out!’

Author

Big Tee

Date

2007-11-15T16:17:39-06:00

ID

96838

Comment

Again, I say go with Wright and Recio. They've already proved what they're capable of. These guys will shut crime down. We've seen their work. The whole town has. Why go with someone with someone unproven.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-15T16:21:49-06:00

ID

96839

Comment

Wright and Recio may not know procedure, but they know how to close down a house, be it a drug house or otherwise. Before Recio's and Wright's work over at Welsh's place, I erroneously thought you needed heavy equipment or days of work to tear down a house. They tore down one in a bout 5 minutes. They got skills. I don't blame Frank for keeping them close by. If they ever lose their jobs they can command high dollars in the demolishing business.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-15T16:31:53-06:00

ID

96840

Comment

Melton is supposed to announce a new permanent chief today. Of the 3 or 4 choices listed at the C-L, I can only see either Gerald Jones or Bracey Coleman as his choice, with Coleman being the most likely pick.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-11-16T08:43:18-06:00

ID

96841

Comment

Coleman would be crazy to come back to the city. He is recieveing a retirement check already from the city. Plus he has already been chief several times and he never did anything positive for the people of Jackson. I wouldn't put anything past Melton though. I can tell you the rumors that are going around downtown are that it is possible McMillan could be named chief and there would be some sort of Metro Police Department. I'm not saying that is going to happen that is just a very strong rumor that is going on right now. I guess we will find out at 11.

Author

The truth

Date

2007-11-16T08:57:29-06:00

ID

96842

Comment

I'm still going with the Tony Soprano-looking dude, Recio. He has proven his worth.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-16T09:23:37-06:00

ID

96843

Comment

Coleman would be crazy to come back to the city. He is recieveing a retirement check already from the city. Plus he has already been chief several times and he never did anything positive for the people of Jackson. I said the same thing about Louis Armstrong and Robert Williams, but that didn't stop Meltdown from appointing them to his administration. I can tell you the rumors that are going around downtown are that it is possible McMillan could be named chief and there would be some sort of Metro Police Department. I'm not saying that is going to happen that is just a very strong rumor that is going on right now. I guess we will find out at 11. An intriguing idea, which is in sync with my long held belief that Jackson and Hinds County need to petition the legislature to allow them to form a combined city-county government to consolidate redundant services and save both entities a few dollars. Under that scenario McMillian as Sheriff would be the head of all law enforcement including JPD. You appear to have an inside source, truth, but I can't see how this rumored idea would work without legislative approval so I'm skeptical about this. Further, I can't see Mac accepting this offer given his recent history with Meltdown.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-11-16T09:37:38-06:00

ID

96844

Comment

I also hope Recio is made Chief. Because all of the rank and file police officer and detectives would love some well deserve time off. I'm not so sure the citizens of Jackson would like that very much though.

Author

The truth

Date

2007-11-16T09:37:57-06:00

ID

96845

Comment

I don't think that melton will name any of the names mentioned. Word has it that Sheriff McMillin will be given jurisdiction over the City. If this is true, it is probably the recommendation of the Governor. Stranger things have happened. We will see come 11am. One question: Why would frank make an announcement about an announcement. He is so full of it. To him, this is one big game and I think he believes that he is willing. We know that the citizens are losing.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-16T09:42:26-06:00

ID

96846

Comment

Just in case McMillin is not named and Bracy Coleman is given the position, this would really be a mess. Bracy Coleman is Recio's father-in-law. Would the Council allow Bracy to serve as chief and his daughter's husband serve as Assistant Chief? Can anyone say, N E P O T I S M???????

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-16T10:07:14-06:00

ID

96847

Comment

Civil Service rules would not allow Recio to serve under his father in law.

Author

The truth

Date

2007-11-16T10:26:43-06:00

ID

96848

Comment

Civil service rules? What civil service rules? Rules and laws do not apply to Frank Melton, remember. He has no "evil intent," and a bunch of friends in high places to protect him.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-11-16T10:29:01-06:00

ID

96849

Comment

You are right Donna. I was thinking of the "right way". I wasn't thinking about "Franks Way". How could I forget about "Franks Way". I deal with that everyday I wake up...

Author

The truth

Date

2007-11-16T10:35:37-06:00

ID

96850

Comment

Can we get it live on the internet or what?

Author

Birdseye

Date

2007-11-16T10:36:00-06:00

ID

96851

Comment

In all honesty I expect it to be Bracy Coleman or Lee Vance with Big Recio getting moved back to Sergeant to stop all the bickering and complaining. Frank "is on the move. He's found a groove."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-16T10:37:49-06:00

ID

96852

Comment

If I were a serious gambler, my bet would be on McMillin. I supported Mack in his bid for re-election; however, his possible appointment to jurisdiction of both county and city raises eyebrows for what has been in the working of a "MASTER PLAN."

Author

justjess

Date

2007-11-16T10:49:09-06:00

ID

96853

Comment

I want Recio back at his original postion. Which is patrol officer. He has not passed the Sergeant's exam. I can promise you that he does not have the respect of one person at the police department other than Frank.

Author

The truth

Date

2007-11-16T10:49:31-06:00

ID

96854

Comment

Guess we will find out soon but I find it hard to believe McMillan would want any part of dealing with Jackson in an official capacity, especially with the current administration.

Author

GLewis

Date

2007-11-16T11:00:35-06:00

ID

96855

Comment

How in the hell can McMillan be both? What a slam to the other officers. This is bullcrap.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-11-16T11:11:28-06:00