Jackson Free Press

Read the most recent crime statistics.

Major crimes dropped slightly last week, according to statistics released today at a meeting of Jackson Police Department command staff. Police reported 207 property crimes, down from 223 the week before, and 30 violent crimes, up slightly from 26 the previous week, for an overall 4.8 percent decrease in major crimes. For the year to date, property crimes are up 5.1 percent over last year, while violent crimes are 22.8 percent above 2009's figures.

JPD Assistant Chief Lee Vance commended Precinct 1 Commander Donald Gater for what he called Gater's "consistent progress" in addressing property crime in the south Jackson precinct. House burglaries are up 21 percent in Precinct 1 this year, but they dropped 22 percent last week and 27 percent the week before.

"We don't want to start throwing out accolades with the numbers still that high, but we do want to recognize progress," Vance said.

Vance warned command staff to expect large crowds at outdoor events, such as the Farish Street Heritage Festival, this weekend, given the relatively cool weather forecasted.

Vance also said that the two JPD officers who were with slain officer Glen Agee on the night of his death have returned to duty. The department placed the two unidentified officers on paid administrative leave after Agee died Aug. 6 while pursuing an escaped prisoner. A Hinds County Sheriff's Department investigation cleared the two of any criminal wrongdoing, finding the prisoner, Latwan Smith, solely responsible for Agee's death. JPD is also conducting a separate internal investigation on whether the officers followed department protocol. That investigation is still open.