Jackson Police Chief speaks out after launch of ‘Blue Impact’ initiative
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Police Department is implementing a program designed to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Hub City.
“Blue Impact” is an operation designed to focus on specific criminal behaviors. It will focus on identifying, locating, and apprehending offenders, ultimately improving the quality of life in Jackson.
SEE ALSO: Community members react to announcement of Blue Impact (May 2022)
We spoke to Police Chief Thom Corley about the rationale behind this initiative.
“We’re just trying to reduce the number of shootings that are going on, and reduce the illegal weapon possession,” Chief Corley said. “You know, there are those out there that are prohibited from having weapons and they’re the ones that are stealing them from other people and then using them in our community, and that’s going to stop.”
Blue Impact is a collaborative effort. JPD partners with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in the area to help reduce the number of violent crimes.
“We’re limited sometimes in our resources as a law enforcement agency,” said Corley. “We can only do what we can do with what we have, and when that seems to be not quite enough, then we want to bring in some extra help — and that’s what this is doing.”
JPD plans to focus on statistics and observe community engagements. According to a press release issued by the department, “the ultimate goal of Blue Impact is to create a safer environment for all residents in the City of Jackson.”
“Our citizens deserve to be as safe as they can be, and so we’re going to make some impact there,” Corley said.
This operation is already in effect, and Chief Corley says the department is collaborating well with other law enforcement agencies.
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