Jackson police to add new precinct north of I-40

JACKSON, Tenn. — City Council members approve adding a new police precinct to north Jackson at a Tuesday meeting.

City officials said traffic on the Highway 45 bypass near Carriage House Drive along with plans for future construction played a role in the decision.

“We’re trying to get prepared for the I-40 construction that’s coming in 2017,” Police Chief Julian Wiser said.

The new precinct will be located at 19 North Star Drive. “We need a precinct out there so we can be self contained, because it’s going to be highly congested once that construction starts,” Chief Wiser said.

Wiser said the new precinct is expected to open Aug. 1. Operating hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The chief said residents will be able to file police reports or check on incident records at the new location.

No additional officers will be hired to work specifically at the station. Wiser said those already patrolling the area will simply report at the new substation.

City leaders anticipate the new space, which is being leased, to cost around $40,000 for the initial setup during the first year. The estimated costs include, furniture, rent and utilities, according to Wiser.

Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said taxpayers won’t be picking up the tab on the new precinct.

“It’s going to cost $1,850 a month. That includes utilities,” he said. “The cost is not that much, but it’s through a grant.”

Chief Wiser said the grant is through a federal program that is funded with money from investigations such as drug seizures.