The Precinct 4 Community Oriented Policing & Government group (COPS) met at the Precinct 4 Headquarters on Thursday, May 25, 2006. Bob Oertel called the meeting to order at 5:30 and led us through introductions. Bob then spoke to the group concerning our next few meetings. We decided to table the 5 discussion groups until the June 22 meeting. Bob also talked about using that meeting to work on plans for the upcoming National Night Out 2007 event that will happen on August 1. The group discussed its appreciation for the attendance of some city personnel that come to our meetings "off the clock."

Environmental Court
Jeff Anderson (CoJ Community Improvement) gave a detailed summary of the Environmental Court session for May that met earlier that day. It was noted that we need to make the time and location information available for folks so that they can attend and voice their concerns to the court. The following reports were given from the May session of Environmental Court held earlier in the day. Environmental Court meets next at 2:00 PM on June 22 at 125 Pearl St. in downtown Jackson. (Note: This was later found to be inaccurate information. We have received the court calendar for the rest of 2006 and will post the dates that E.C. will meet)

Eastover properties
A number of properties in this area have grass cutting and debris clearing cases. They will be brought to City Council on Tuesday, May 30.

306 Melbourne
The owner appeared in court on May 25 and pleaded not guilty. The trial is set for June 15. The owner has a contractor and some work has been done.

332 Melbourne
This case was before City Council this week and the Council gave the owner 30 days to complete the work. Some has been done.

228 Melbourne
Debris from a fallen tree has been cleaned up. The owner has until June 30 to repair the damage.

220 Melbourne
The owner has until June 30 to start repairs.

Downing Street at State Street
Those running a "24-hour garage" have been evicted.

3226 Cavalier
Judge Henry Clay III has ordered the arrest of John McKee to serve the remaining 58 days of his 60-day jail term. He has served two of the 60 days.

1427 St. Mary
Judge Clay has ordered the arrest of Howard Gober (again).

1426 St. Mary
Judge Clay has ordered the arrest of Lewis Wilson.

1701 Sheffield
Owner Dr. Tom Vaughn pled guilty and was sentenced to the maximum on all 8 counts. He was fined $1,000 per count, suspended to get a contractor lined up by next Tuesday when he has to appear in court again. He will have 45 days to make the repairs and will appear before the court again on July 27 to demonstrate substantial compliance.

4045 Redwing
Several neighbors appeared to bring their complaints about a large skateboard ramp in the driveway that causes the property to be a nuisance with loud noise, lots of cars, underage drinking, bear cans, and cigarette butts. Real Estate Solutions, the landlord, has grown weary of the complaints but has taken no substantial action, despite a letter signed by 20 neighbors. Brent Anderson of Real Estate Solutions is reported to have said he plans to evict the residents by the end of May. COPS informed the residents of the appropriate procedure to file a complaint.

In this regard, it was noted that a Planning Committee of City Council is working on revising the city's noise ordinance that has been ruled inadequate. Any citizens that wish to make comments or suggestions should contact Margaret Barrett-Simon. Her email address is mbarrett@city.jackson.ms.us.

4036 Redwing
A neighbor reported a problem with an oak tree damaged by Katrina. Limbs damaged a fence and retaining wall that she has had to repair. She has sent a letter to the owner who claims to be checking with insurance. Jeff Anderson of the City of Jackson will check on this. If the tree is dead or dying, the City will take action.

Old Texaco station on North State near Northside Drive in the triangle
The grass needs cutting and the site is a mess.

Hoax Letter
Felder Rushing reported on a letter received by a neighbor several blocks from his house. The letter claimed to be from the Fondren Neighborhood Association, though no address or phone number was listed. The letter claimed that eleven citations had been issued on this property. Mr. Rushing noted that ten of the eleven issues could apply to his property, as well. He was assured there is no Fondren Neighborhood Association and that the letter sent to his neighbor is a hoax.
It is noted Keep Jackson Beautiful will send a letter to any litterers if given the license plate number of cars observed littering. To contact Keep Jackson Beautiful click here.
Ask the Commander/COMSTAT
-Commander Brent Winstead reported the arrest of an individual involved in a purse-snatching (strong-armed robbery). The recent Maywood Mart strong-armed robbery may have been by the same individual.

-He reported a purse-snatching outside Broad Street Bakery when two women had their purses in an empty chair at their table while eating lunch.

-A woman on Crane Boulevard went inside her house for a minute and had valuables stolen from her car. A neighbor chased two men down and held them at gun point (a dangerous thing to do) when Commander Winstead drove by and took over. Two other individuals were arrested as well. An auto burglary is involved in this as well.

-A young woman driving late at night had her car stolen at Mitchell at State when someone bumped the rear of her car lightly. When she got out to investigate, a passenger from the bumping car stole her car while the driver of the bumping car drove off as well. If this happens to you, stay in your car and proceed to a safe location. While technically "leaving the scene of an accident," officers understand if the victim feels uncomfortable about the situation.

-An attempted kidnapping at Home Depot was foiled when the female driver refused to get out of her car.

-DO NOT KEEP VALUABLES IN PLAIN SIGHT INSIDE YOUR CAR. IT IS AN INVITATION TO BE ROBBED.

In the month of April, the 54 officers (plus supervisors) in Precinct 4 received 5,030 calls for service, issued 918 citations, make 189 misdemeanor arrests, and 16 felony arrest. All Jackson Police Department Precincts have new radar units and are using them.

Commander Winstead noted that stealing a purse (for instance) is petty larceny unless it contains more than $500. Pulling a purse off someone's shoulder or out of someone's hand is a strong-arm robbery.

COPS concluded that strong-arm robberies and auto burglaries are up this year while auto thefts are down.

Commander Winstead noted that the I-55 corridor is a very active area for crime because of the restaurants, hotels/motels, and shopping centers. Most of the criminals do not live in Precinct 4 but come here because of the money. It was noted that the strategy of moving away from crime has proven ineffective and that as folks continue to move away from the city, the crime follows. Thieves will go where they have to go to get money, usually for drugs. Instead of fleeing, we should be active in making our area safer.

A resident reported heavy drug sales on his street. Contact with the drug and narcotics unit will be made.

It was noted as well that older youth often get their younger siblings involved in their crimes.

Guest Speaker: Ms. Barbara Ryan, Keep Jackson Beautiful (601)366-4842
Barbara Ryan of "Keep Jackson Beautiful" was our guest speaker. She told how her organization works with neighborhood associations and will help residents with everything from neighbors who don't pick up their garbage cans to businesses with dumpsters not emptied routinely. They do a brisk business notifying litterers that they have been observed littering.

She handed out a list of common problems and their solutions. She indicated there would be a web site for the organization soon.

She brought samples of "no littering" signs that people can place on public property to remind people not to litter. She praised the work Lou Brase has done picking up litter in his neighborhood. It has caused residents to be aware of the problem. She told of a separate clean up in which a 20-yard truck was filled. Sadly, twenty-five dead dogs were found at this site, likely the refuse from dogfights. Very sad. What is also sad is that often close to 95% of the materials found at illegal dumping sites would be picked up at curbside by the City.

It was noted that cleanliness is contagious and people are less likely to litter a clean site. Think broken window theory yet again.

When asked about the triangle at Ridgewood & Old Canton, she noted that the City maintains this site and clipped the hedge a few days ago. "Keep Jackson Beautiful" would appreciate some group adopting this site.

It was noted the City runs a hazardous waste center on Terry Road. An old tire collection is held several times each year. Solid Waste will remove white goods with freon by appointment. White goods without freon will be collected curbside on the second pick-up each week (stoves, washers, driers).

"Keep Jackson Beautiful" has a contract with Solid Waste and provides individual memberships as well. They sponsor Adopt-A-Street and Adopt-A-Spot. They also help citizens with complaints. Call them at 601-366-4842.

There being no further business, Bob Oertel thanked the good crowd for attending and closed the meeting.

Announcements
The next meeting will be Thursday, June 22, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. at Precinct 4 Headquarters.