Jackson residents want safer streets

Citizens gathered recently to express their concerns to the capital city’s Police Chief.

Since the beginning of the year, Jackson has had 36 reported shootings, down by half from last year at this time, Police Chief Joseph Wade told a crowd of nearly 100 residents attending a community meeting Tuesday night who were demanding safer streets.

Even with 50 percent fewer shootings, residents said Jackson’s streets remain dangerous and they want action, not talk.

While many of the 15 or so speakers began with how they appreciate law enforcement, the majority asked if an increased presence might help combat the violence in certain Jackson neighborhoods. Speakers were not required to give their names.

One man said his neighborhood is getting so violent, he wants to know if homeowners “have to