Jackson Police Increase Patrols
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JACKSON, Tenn. — More police officers than usual are on the streets of Jackson, determined to keep the peace after Sunday’s violence. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News was able to join Officer Daniel Washburn and Michael Arnold as they patrolled through some of the city’s high crime areas. Monday, they only made a few routine traffic stops, but their presence is definitely known. “This is why we sign up for this job,” Officer Washburn said. “To try and protect the good from the bad.” Officer Washburn has been with the Jackson Police Department for almost six years. He says his favorite part of the job is interacting with the people who call this city home. “We’ve been trying to get out a whole lot as far as outside the car and try to connect with some of the people,” Officer Washburn said. “I kind of want them to look past the uniform.” After this past weekend’s two homicides, Washburn said he and his fellow officers are working longer hours. “We definitely have more boots on the ground right now,” Washburn said. “I wish we could maintain it.” He says most people have been receptive to the increased patrols. “You definitely see the ones that like to see us out here,” Washburn said. “But then there’s the ones that won’t even look at us.” Washburn said with this up-tick in crime, the responsibility to keep the city safe has been looming over him. “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves too.” Washburn said. “We don’t want to be perceived as not doing our job.” Overall, Washburn said he wants to keep the crime at bay for the kids. “That who we do it for,” Washburn said. “We like to see the kids out here running around and playing, because we have children of our own.” Officer Washburn and Officer Arnold were both called into work Monday on their day off. They said, it was all a part of helping to keep the city of Jackson safe.
