The Precinct 4 Community Oriented Policing and Government group (COPS) met at the Precinct 4 Headquarters on Thursday, June 20, 2007.  Bob Oertel called the meeting to order at 5:30pm and led us through introductions.

COPS Moderator Position
Bob Oertel, current COPS moderator announced his resignation effective upon the election of a new leader.  Bob stated he would like to continue to participate, but with a full time job now and two young children, he cannot give as much time as he used to.  Bob stated that the moderator position can require about 10 hours of work per month plus finding and setting up speakers.  Bob stated that we will take nominations in July and name a new leader in August.  (Because of the NNO kick-off, this will take place at the August meeting)

NNO
National Night Out is scheduled for August 7th.  The Precinct 4 Quality of Life officers stated if neighborhood gatherings want the Mayor to come by to please let them know and to be sure and give them specifics such as location and times.  Precinct 4 National Night Kick-off is scheduled for July 28.

Ward 1 Election
There is a special election for Ben Allen’s Ward 1 City Council seat.  Those running for this seat are John Ditto, Jeff Weill and David Archie.  This is a separate election and will not be held on August 7th.  There will also be no republican or democrat primary.

Police Recruiting & Other Topics
Commander Sansom stated that there will be a new police recruitment academy in August.  The academy will go on schedule even if the class is below 30.  Right now, 14 have passed background checks.  They will be ready in December, can double up with an experienced officer in March or April and then be on their own next summer.  JPD could hire “experienced” officers from Rankin and Madison counties, and they could be ready to go in three weeks.

Commander Sansom also stated that they arrest the thugs who beat the woman and stole her purse at the Kroger on I-55.  Commander Sansom also reported that arrested 8 felony suspects, 50 misdemeanors and had reports of several auto burglaries on the outer streets of I-55 corridor.

Jack Myers announced a zoning re-use on the property at 3962 North State Street at City Planning Board, July 25 at 1:30.  Don Hudson is requesting a re-use to put a catering business in his home.

Susan Luniardini reported on the Jackson Police Foundation.  She thought that there may be special funds to pay for some of these.  She also spoke on the need and request from JPD for “the policeman’s bible”, small books defining laws.  This book compact book will assure police officers that they are covering all of the steps needed in making an arrest, and it will fit in a glove compartment of a patrol car.  Several COPS members donated $15 to cover the number of books needed for all of the patrol cars in Precinct 4.  Anyone wanting to donate to the non-profit group that provides needed equipment and supplies to JPD may do so at P.O. Box 80, Jackson, MS 39205.  COPS member, Jack Myers offered to buy a sound meter for precinct 4.

New Business
Under new business, someone asked what can be done about the vagrants who sit in front of the Rainbow Coop at the intersection of Lakeland Drive and Old Canton Road.  Someone also reported that there are tents with vagrants set up behind the old Capri Theatre on North State Street.  Commander Sansom reported that there are loitery laws and these folks should not be allowed to do this and he will take care of this.  He also stated, though, that there is a peddler’s license and if you do not have one, you can face a misdemeanor charge.  However, if you are arrested on a misdemeanor charge, you will be taken to the sally port at the Sheriff’s building downtown and held for 6 hours and then let  go as there is no space in the jail at Raymond.  Elizabeth Ortega, investigative reporter for The Northside Sun spoke up to say that she wrote an article on this type of thing and that people can sell fruit or flowers on the street or curb, but must pay a permit tax. 

Community Improvement
Joe Lewis, Community Improvement Director spoke to the updates on several violations throughout precinct 4:

• Skateboard ramps behind the old McRae’s at Meadowbrook Mart are gone
• Help is on the way for 147 Vine near Tougaloo
• Demolition is scheduled for 306 Melbourne
• Abandoned cars have been removed at 852 Avondale

New complaints were given to Joe:

• Abandoned car at 3910 Greaves (Joe stated that the owner of the house can give consent to have the car removed).
• 536 North Canton Club owners will not cut the grass
• 4636 or 4638 Casa Blanca has abandoned cars, jet skiis, homeowners are in a nursing home, grass needs cutting

Joe also stated that he works really hard during the week in the blighted areas of Jackson and comes into the areas who have strong neighborhood associations who try to help themselves to bring their neighborhoods back.

Reminders went out that the National Night Out Kick-Off for Precinct 4 will be held on July 26th the same night as our normal COPS meeting, and to please attend.  Also, the GCSI (Governmental Consultant Services Incorporated) Community Oriented Policing and Government  is hosting its second training seminar for city officials and community and business leaders on July 25 and July 26.  Anyone interested in attending, please contact Linda Wooley with JPD.

NEXT MEETING:

Our next meeting will be the fourth Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 5:30PM.