Gov. Tate Reeves announced a public safety operation aimed at removing drug traffickers and violent criminals from the streets in Jackson.
Operation Unified, announced at a Tuesday press conference, is the result of coordinated efforts between state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Agencies participating in the operation included the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol Police and Office of Homeland Security, the Jackson Police Department, the Hinds County District Attorney and Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Reeves said the initiative started in mid-January and will continue until further notice. He said it is in the hope of making Jackson a safer place for all residents.
Jackson had 12 homicides in January, putting the capital city in near record pace to when it led the nation in per capita murders in 2021.
“Jacksonians deserve to live in peace, and they should not have to fear for their safety while running errands or commuting to work,” Reeves said to more than 40 attendees including media and law officials. “Together with our local and federal partners, we will put a stop to it. As one unified front that is committed to stopping violent crime, this operation will help us to do exactly that. I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners for helping us tackle the crime plaguing this fantastic city.”