The Precinct 4 Community Oriented Policing & Government group (COPS) met at the Precinct 4 Headquarters at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2006.
Bob Oertel called the meeting to order and led us through introductions.
Environmental Court
The Environmental Court report was very short in the absence of Jeff Anderson. Quality of Life (QoL) Officer Barbara Folsom did report that steps were being taken to end the dumping of appliances on North State Street near County Line Road. We are still seeking recourse regarding habitual code violators. The law is written so that you can fine and jail offenders for having substandard conditions in a structure or on a lot, but you cannot take their property away from them unless they have a lien on the property for 3 years. So, if they pay the fines, there is little we can further do. The only other possibility is having the property owner evaluated and found mentally incompetent to manage the property.
Ask the Commander/COMSTAT
In "Ask the Commander," Commander Brent Winstead explained that COMSTAT is a mapping of crimes that guides JPD in determining where officers must patrol. It should be remembered that COMSTAT is a compilation of "reported" crimes. After crimes are investigated, the designation may be changed based on the law and the actual nature of the crime. In other words, the initial COMSTAT reports may not be the same as crime statistics reported later since the later reports record the actual crimes and their designation instead of the initial reported crime (a rape report may turn out to be an assault or deemed consensual and a strong-arm robbery may be changed to armed robbery, based on the investigation).

The Fondren area has had trouble with a man in a Mitsubishi pickup robbing homes and garages. He was apprehended recently. Various communication strategies helped identify and apprehend this criminal who has targeted Fondren, Belhaven, and other neighborhoods by going up driveways and into carports and freely helping himself to others possessions. If engaged, the thief would casually state that he was looking for an address or a Mrs. Johnson or side jobs and would leave promptly. The items recovered will be photographed for use as evidence and owners determined.

The I-55 Corridor is the area of greatest concern. There continues to be a lot of auto burglaries. Because of a number of cars robbed at Hallmark Toyota, Palm Brides Apartments, various other apartment complexes, and even one gated community (how did they get in is a major question), the total number of crimes will be very high. As is normally the case, the number of auto burglaries at motels and apartments in the I-55 corridor is very high and is a primary concern of Precinct 4. Be careful with all of your access codes!

He noted that anyone could view the weekly COMSTAT reports at Precinct 4 Headquarters. Just drop in and ask. Asst. Chief Sandefer noted that the JPD website is being constructed. It will contain all COMSTAT reports when it is functional.

Asst. Chief Roy Sandefer was asked about the Mayor's focus on strip clubs and adult bookstores. He noted there are city ordinances governing the operation of such businesses. When they do not operate in compliance with these ordinances, they are cited and closed if the number of violations is excessive.

The importance of enforcing the codes for these businesses is related to the "Broken Window Theory" in which you enforce small laws in order to raise the level of compliance with law in all areas of civic life. A broken window in a building that goes un-repaired invites more and more broken windows that leads to more and more lawlessness because of the lack of concern about small things that matter.

Asst. Chief Sandefer noted that the crime rate is going down. He also affirmed there is movement toward getting another judge. Several other residents observed they thought there has been a reduction in the number of prostitutes in and around Jackson. Asst. Chief Sandefer told of experiences while going undercover in various adult bookstores. It was also observed that a number of prostitutes posing as women are really men.

City Council President Marshand Crisler
CoJ Council President Marshand Crisler noted he is in his last semester of a Master's degree. He had limited time to address us because of classes and scheduling. In his opening remarks, he also thanked Fondren resident/businessman John Dickson for the 18-page letter he brought to the COPS meeting last month and provided for Mr. Crisler. The letter details a number of concerns about enforcement of laws and/or the lack of laws (such as noise ordinances) in Jackson that cause him problems as a landlord.

Mr. Crisler noted that the Sheriff's Department will be working with the COPS program to create crime prevention workshops. We hope to have one on the next few months.

He spoke at length about the adult entertainment industry. He noted it is a legal and legitimate business that we cannot make illegal because of our federal laws and the need to respect the rights of all citizens. There are, however, a variety of ordinances regulating this business. When there are infractions, the letter of the law must be followed. In response to concerns expressed by citizens about the very existence of such businesses, he noted they are located in a confined place in the entertainment district and away from residential areas. He also noted we do not have to visit such establishments.

When asked about legislative barriers to enforcing the judgments of the Environmental Court, Mr. Crisler turned to the complaints in John Dickson's 18-page complaint.

Regarding the loud noise issue, he noted Jackson has no noise ordinance, because Jackson doesn't have machines to measure decibel levels. It was noted such devices can be purchased at Radio Shack for $20. It was noted that these crimes tend to be crimes of opportunity in that the sound is turned down when the Police arrive. He also noted citizens can become certified operators of noise-measuring devices. Once so certified, they only have to sign an affidavit to bring the matter to court. We then got back to reality and he noted that signing an affidavit is all that is necessary for "disturbing the peace" issues. Citizens do have this option, but it does require that you fill out the proper paperwork, sign it, and be willing to testify against the defendant in the matter. Most folks after understanding the full commitment that it takes to go this route do not follow the matter.

Mr. Dickson inquired about stopping the noise quickly during the middle of the night when his tenants want to get some sleep. Asst. Chief Sandefer noted there is a new ordinance coming before City Council that meets federal requirements.

The City of Jackson also has an ordinance regarding public profanity. Again, signing an affidavit is all that is needed, plus the willingness to show up in court. But if the profanity is from a radio/CD player, the charge must be "disturbing the peace" and not "public profanity" because the defendant must be actively engaged in the lewd language or actions.

In response to numerous questions, it was pointed out that if laws made it too easy to stop some of these behaviors, the laws would also make it possible for people to abuse the law by filing bogus complaints.

Passing over Mr. Dickson's concern about city bus drivers, Mr. Crisler noted the concern about residents parking on lawns. He came back to this point later. He indicated this is a visual violation and an officer can write a ticket on the spot. He charged the city with ignoring the law and urged police officers to "get out of their cars." Later it was reported that over 1,000 tickets have been issued in Precinct 4 for cars parked on lawns and over 250 cars have been towed, suggesting, at the very least, that Precinct 4 Quality of Life Officers do get out of their cars quite often.

The city ordinance regarding illegal parking requires that a sticker be placed on the car for a certain number of days, a picture taken of it, and a variety of other steps be taken before it can be ticketed. After all, our community has a high respect for what citizens can do on their property.

The Committee asked Mr. Crisler to address a major concern which is how to deal with property owners who have appeared in Environmental Court, fined, even sentenced to jail time, served jail time, and paid fines, yet still have done nothing to improve their properties. Suggesting that the city has exhausted its legislative process, he turned the spotlight on the court system in which there is only one Environmental Court judge, though a second one may be in the offing. It was noted, however, that while this may explain the time it takes to bring such cases to trial, it does not explain the inability of the city to get compliance with people who exhibit traits of mental instability. Mr. Crisler noted the state has a cap on the fines that can be levied ($1,500). But the city can put a lien against properties with unpaid fines. If the fines are paid, however, the city is powerless.

He also commented how encouraged he was by the number of neighborhoods represented at the meeting.

Drainage Issues
Bruce Thames of Public Works noted he had talked to David Willis about a bond issue scheduled for 2007 to deal with the Eubanks Creek and other drainage problems in Precinct 4. The problems are varied: Current design and infrastructure, obstructions in the creek, problems upstream, and residents who dump leaves and other yard trash in the storm drains. A wag suggested those who dump leaves in the storm drains and then complain tend to be the same people who leave car keys in the ignition of unlocked cars on the street and then complain when their cars are stolen.

Members of Precinct 4 COPS noted the importance of supporting the bond and providing encouragement to Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon and our other representatives in promoting a good bond plan.

It was suggested that neighborhood associations could get stencils for storm drains stating that these drains are "Not Sewers- Flow Directly Into Creeks" for the storm drains in their neighborhoods to remind residents not to clog them with yard trash. Also, the City of Jackson is trying to do a better job of responding to complaints of clogged drains.

Genny Seeley - Neighborhood Involvement
Genny Seeley of the Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods and the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods spoke of her efforts to involve residents of South Jackson to revitalize their area. She commended a book that inspired her, "Building Communities From the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets" by John L. McKnight and published by John P. Kretzmann/John L. McKnight. Google John L. McKnight to find a copy or go straight to Amazon.com.

She gave all attending a copy of the "ASJN Vision and Goals."

She announced a Monday, March 6 meeting in the Hood Building featuring leaders in the Great American Clean Up.

She told of her own involvement. It began when an affordable housing apartment complex was announced for her single-family dwelling neighborhood. She tried to fight the complex but it was too little too late. She decided never to be caught in this trap again. She now reads many of the legal ads every day, especially those dealing with zoning issues and liquor license applications.

She noted three primary tasks:

• Informing people- most folks think the city wants to protect them from improper or stupid projects. That is not always the case, however.
• Empower people- a lot of folks don't think they can make a difference. She was a neophyte and is learning as she goes. One person can make have a profound influence.
• Network with people who can help. She told of learning that she had to get to know Belmont Trapp. Now she does and it has made a big difference.

She sounded like German theologian Martin Niemoller's famous quotation "First They Came for the Communists" in affirming that if it can happen in her neighborhood it can happen in your neighborhood. If South Jackson and West Jackson go to ruin, so will Belhaven, Fondren, and Northeast Jackson.

She urged us and groups of us to show up at Council meetings. Politicians will listen.

It was noted that we have enough smart people to figure out how to get laws and ordinances changed. As the saying goes, "People are our best asset."

Questions were asked regarding neighborhood associations. We have long lists of such groups but not all have been reached. Also, Goldia Revies has promised to provide us with a list of media contacts. Also, we have maps of JPD precincts, City Council wards, MS House districts, senate districts, and the like. It was noted that associations need to strike a balance in dealing with neighborhood specific issues and working with larger organizations for common goals.

Closing Issues and Comments
Bob Oertel reminded us of a hurricane recovery workshop April 3-5 in Baton Rouge. The Gulf Coast Community Oriented Policing Institute (GSRCPI) is providing incentives for interdisciplinary teams and individuals. We are unsure if there are free rooms left in the program. Go to the GCRCPI website for more information. http://www.gsrcpi.org/hurricane

Also, the 2006 edition of the JPD Citizens' Police Academy will begin March 6.
For information call Linda Woolley at 601.960.1389.

Fondren is having a First Annual Town Hall Meeting on Monday, February 27, at 6:00, at Duling School.

It was noted that neighborhood covenants can make a big difference, though, as we have discussed in today's meeting, there are some problems and some people who defy all reason.

The next meeting of Precinct 4 COPS will be on Thursday, March 23, at 5:30, at the Precinct 4 Headquarters at North State Street at Patton Avenue.