The Precinct 4 Community Oriented Policing & Government group (COPS) met at the Precinct 4 Headquarters on Thursday, June 29, 2006. Bob Oertel called the meeting to order at 5:30 and led us through introductions.
New Commander Steve Sansom
It was announced that Steve Sansom is the new Commander of Precinct 4. Former Commander Brent Winstead is in Washington, D.C. until December 8 to undergo Homeland Security training. This is a great honor and opportunity for Brent and it is unlikely he will be returning to Precinct 4 when he returns to Jackson.
COPS Overview
Since a number of people were attending for the first time, Bob Oertel gave a brief overview of the COPS program which provides a forum for police, various city department representatives, residents, and business/professional leaders to discuss the issues in the precinct, providing an unprecedented degree of accountability about life in the precinct.
Bob Oertel to Attend the National Conference for Community Oriented Policing
Bob Oertel thanked those responsible for giving the funds to allow him to attend the National Conference for Community Oriented Policing to be held in Washington, D.C., in late July. Those in attendance applauded his willingness to attend. Since he was out of town and out of touch when the funds were raised from eleven individuals, organizations, and businesses, he was unaware of what was being done until he returned home. You can find more information about the conference at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov
COMSTAT by Commander Steve Sansom
Commander Steve Sansom presented the COMSTAT report. This is the third week in a row that crime is down in Precinct 4. Three weeks ago, crime was down 17%. Only auto burglaries were up during that week. Two weeks ago, crime was down 31-32%. Only armed robberies were up. For the past week, crime is down 12%.

A primary area of criminal activity in our precinct has been the Tracewoods Village Apartments at 6300 Old Canton Road near the old Super Jitney. Four to five African-American males are targeting Hispanics in a spate of armed robberies. Hispanics are targeted since some of them are illegal immigrants who do not have bank accounts thus carry cash. Since they are illegal immigrants, they are reluctant to report the crimes to the police, not realizing that police are not allowed to enforce federal immigration laws. Precinct 4 is also working with the Ridgeland Police since there have been a number of Hispanics in Ridgeland victimized in the same manner, suggesting that the same criminals are responsible. In addition to being illegal immigrants, some of the Hispanics are also trespassers who have been evicted but are still living in the apartments. The management at Tracewood Village and Trail Apartments do not want to cooperate with JPD on informing the Hispanic victims of what should be done in response to these crimes. Precinct 4 is trying to set up a meeting with the Hispanics to reassure them of JPD’s interest in their situation but mistrust is a major issue. Several members of COPS volunteered to provide brochures in Spanish and enlist the support of church groups that work with Hispanics to provide helpful information.

What was thought to be gang graffiti on Old Canton Road isn’t gang graffiti at all but is the work of some kids who are wannabees. They have been chased off several times.

In response to a question, Commander Sansom told of the Weed & Seed program JPD has started in which a saturation drug raid strives to weed out drug pushers and then seed the neighborhood with improvements.

As part of a later discussion, Commander Sansom noted that Precinct 4 had 5,853 calls for service in May. This is 1,951 calls for service per squad per month, 243.8 calls for service per beat per month, 8 calls for service per shift per beat, or 1 call for service each hour for each officer. It was noted that after responding to a call for service, officers turn cases over to detectives who are responsible for interviews and all follow-up.

It was noted as well that officers and detectives always have to remember a basic feature of American justice, namely, that criminals have rights, too. Prosecutors, district attorneys, judges, and juries all make sure these rights are not ignored. While this is frustrating for victims of crime, it is a basic feature of our system of justice.
Jane Tucker’s Complaint
Jane Tucker, Precinct 4 resident and criminal lawyer, told her long and complex tale involving a dog, its thug-like owner, and the owner’s vociferous mother and grandmother. There was a lengthy discussion of the intricacies of the law regarding the issues involved in this situation, the appropriate responses that police officers should give to citizens trying to help them, reassurance that improper conduct by officers will be dealt with promptly and firmly, and suggestions as to steps that could be taken in like of threats made. At that time, one of our wonderful Quality of Life officers began a discussion to remedy this situation. There were a number of steps suggested that can be taken to bring this complaint to a satisfactory conclusion. We will do a brief follow up at the next meeting.
Environmental Court
Jeff Anderson reported that the Environmental Court, which met on June 15 instead of the normal fourth Thursday, did not address any Precinct 4 cases this month. It was noted that Bob Oertel called the office of court services and was given the date by someone there. Bob also stated that he had gotten that information from Jeff Anderson in an email, but that proved to be incorrect and he apologizes for the mistake.

Since the meeting, Bob has called the court services office again and spoken to Ms. Brenda Coleman. She was very helpful and faxed the calendar of court services for the remainder of 2006. She did note that these dates are subject to change. If you are interested in attending, it is suggested that you call court services before heading downtown, 601.960.2050.

Environmental Court meets at 2:00 at 215 W. Pearl Street on the following Thursdays:

• July 27
• August 24
• September 28
• October 19
• November 16
• December 14

Two perpetual issues relating to Howard Gober and John McKee are still waiting satisfactory resolution. To the best of our knowledge, both still have warrants for their arrest so that they can serve the sentences given them.

A situation involving three houses on Woodberry was reported. Several complicating factors were noted as was the frustration of neighbors that these houses have been problems for three years. It was noted that one of the people charged with a Trustmark bank robbery has been living in one of the houses in question.

Jim White reported that work is being done on the house on Sheffield that was the object of action taken by Environmental Court in May.

Lou Brase commended Precinct 4 personnel for their consistent willingness to attend meetings of his neighborhood association. He is going to start trying to get members of City Council to follow their example.
National Night Out- August 1
The 2006 National Night Out will be on August 1 from 7 to 10PM. NNO is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The City of Jackson is planning preliminary events at each precinct COPS meeting in July. The kick-off event in Precinct 4 will be from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, July 27. Each of us is urged to bring a dish to share and friends to enjoy the food and fellowship. This will take the place of our normal 4th Thursday meeting. It is requested that all business and complaints be addressed outside of this time for fellowship. If you have something that you must get off of your chest, please contact Officer Barbara Folsom or Officer Kutenia Brooks at 601.960.1454 before this event!

P4 COPS encourages the Jackson community to organize events at the block and neighborhood level. For more information about how to get something together: http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/

To help Jackson with the August 1 events, contact Servia Howard at showard@city.jackson.ms.us or Renee Walker at rwalker@city.jackson.ms.us.
Dog Ordinance
It was noted that Jackson has just passed a Bad Animals ordinance. For a long time all dogs have been required to be on a leash or in a fenced area. The new ordinance is aimed at those who have dangerous animals. It was noted that many drug pushers like to have a number of pit bulls around for protection.
Announcements
The next meeting of P4 COPS will be the National Night Out kick-off event from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, July 27. Plan to be at Precinct 4 Headquarters that night for all the fun and good food.