Wiser named interim chief of Jackson Police Department
DOWNTOWN JACKSON — Just minutes after it was announced he would be interim police chief of the Jackson Police Department, Julian Wiser said he was ready to get to work. Wiser said he will address the crime problem in Jackson head on. “I’ve been on the front lines my whole career,” Wiser said. A United States Marine, Wiser was most recently captain of the Special Operations Division. It includes the Bomb Unit, Gang Enforcement Unit, K-9 Unit, SWAT and Metro Narcotics. He has been a member of the Jackson Police Department for 17 years. He said he is not naive about what is really happening on the streets. “I recognize we do have a drug and gang presence in our community,” Wiser said. However, he said he does not believe the Hub City is unsafe and plans to work to change the perception that it is dangerous. Being chosen over two other officers considered next-in-command comes with some challenges. Deputy Chief Barry Michael and Patrick Willis each have invested decades in the department. “There are a lot of pitchers in the bull pen,” Wiser said. “I got called to the mound, and I’m going to step up. I’ll give the citizens of Jackson 110 percent.” Wiser currently lives in Medina where he serves on the Board of Aldermen. He said he will step down from that elected position if it gets in the way of his duties as interim chief. One way he plans to combat crime more effectively is by holding officers more accountable and developing richer relationships with residents throughout the city. According to Jackson’s Human Resources Department, Wiser immediately began earning the chief’s salary of $77,500.
