Reinstated Jackson park ranger unit now patrolling. Police department close to full staffing

A newly reinstated park ranger unit is patrolling Jackson parks, fulfilling a City Council goal set in late August 2023.

During a Jackson City Council meeting in August 2023, councilmembers agreed to find funding to bring back a Jackson park ranger unit to curb ongoing crimes, including theft and vandalism within the city’s 57 public parks.

The goal set during the August meeting included hiring five full-time park rangers. During Monday’s public safety meeting, Chief of Jackson Police Joseph Wade told councilmembers four positions have been filled, leaving one spot unoccupied.

More on Monday’s meeting:Jackson city council lays out plans for youth curfew to curb crime. See details here

The four rangers are already out working in the parks, marking the first time rangers have protected Jackson’s parks since 2018.

Wade said all four rangers stepped up during the recent inclement weather that covered much of Mississippi, Jackson included, with ice and snow.

Weather continues:Mississippi weather: Good news, bad news as ice melts and heavy rain brings floods

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