Governor Tate Reeves held a press conference Tuesday concerning a public safety operation.
Governor Reeves said the operation is called “Operation Unified.” This will be a joint operation comprised of state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The operation started in mid-January and aims to get drug traffickers and violent criminals off the streets of Jackson.
Those participating in the operation are the Mississippi Dept. of Public Safety Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol, Office of Homeland Security, Jackson Police Department, Hinds County District Attorney, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Department of Corrections, DEA, FBI, and ATF, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“It is a wonderful place filled with extraordinary people. It is a cultural hub for our state and every individual who lives here or visits here deserves to feel safe,” said Reeves. “Despite the mass positives Jackson has to offer, there is no doubt that like many other cities around the country, we continue to grapple with a crime problem. Jackson still has the highest homicide rate of any major city in our nation. We aim to directly counter that with this operation.”
Governor Reeves went on to say that they are doing more than increasing law enforcement within the capital city. They are also investing in water and sewer, infrastructure, new roads, sidewalks, and more.
Reeves said over $95 million has been invested in the capital city already.
“I want to make clear that the state of Mississippi is committed to improving our capital city and will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of its residents,” he said.
Governor Reeves addressed the viral video of a person seen shooting a gun out of a vehicle on Beasley/Adkins Rd. He held the press conference just a few steps away from where that incident happened.
“What was shown in that video is completely unacceptable and it must be stopped. Jacksonians deserve to live in peace and they should not fear for their safety while running errands or commuting to work,” he said.
Reeves said that Captiol Police arrested an individual believed to be involved in that viral video shooting and the vehicle likely used. Weapons were seized in the car as well.
