Jackson Police Chief Rebecca Coleman took the oath of office Wednesday afternoon. Supreme Court Justice James Graves administered the oath, after a speech of faint regret by Jackson State University President Ronald Mason, who surrendered Coleman as director of JSU public safety when Mayor Harvey Johnson appointed her as chief in October.
"She used to complain that the city (of Jackson) would hire away the police that we trained, and I'm not sure if that situation is going to change now that she's police chief," Mason told a crowd of about 200 filling JSU's new Student Center.
The new chief, who was confirmed by the council with only one vote of dissent, said she would be evaluating her command staff based upon the opinions of subordinates and people in the community. Regarding officer morale, Coleman said the feedback she is getting from the community and officers is mostly positive.
Coleman said the department is moving forward with the sergeant's promotional exam because the lack of promotion within the department has negatively impacted morale. The city of Jackson tossed the results after the last exam this year when word spread that some applicants may have cheated. She said she was not ready to give a date for the exam, however.
"I'm not putting a time limit on the exam because the backlash from any delay would work against us," Coleman said.
Coleman acknowledged that the city police chief is often the first target for criticism when crime numbers climb, but said she was prepared to take the beating.
"I'm of the opinion is if you're doing good, you're doing good. We in the police department accept responsibility for whatever is done in the police department. Crime will fluctuate. When it's down, we'll get praises, when it's up, they'll say we're slacking, but I'll be content as long as the members of my staff are certain that we're doing everything we can to curb crime in the city."
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