City of Jackson sees reduction in gun violence

The latest review of crime statistics shows an overall reduction of gun violence in the City of Jackson. The Jackson Police Department regularly reviews crime statistics and found that heading into the final quarter of 2024, there have been reductions in the number of shooting incidents and gunshot victims.

Year-to-date statistics show overall shooting incidents decreasing, down from a recent high in 2020 with 97 shootings to 45 shootings in 2024. This points to an overall 53 percent reduction in shooting incidents. In 2021, there was a recent high of 25 shooting victims through the month of August. Comparing that to the most recent 2024 numbers of eight gunshot victims through the same time period, there has been a 68 percent decrease.

The Jackson Police Department regularly reviews gun violence data to get an understanding of what's happening in the community and how to deploy resources to impacted areas. In addition to traditional law enforcement activities, Director Elmer Hitt says new approaches like Group Violence Intervention and upgraded technology, including gunshot detection devices and license plate readers, have brought a multi-dimensional strategy to addressing the problem.

"Stopping gun violence is a priority of the Jackson Police Department. Reviewing the most recent statistics, we're pleased to see these numbers are trending in the right direction," Hitt said. "Our goal is to have zero homicides in the City of Jackson, which has not occurred since 2001. With our numbers currently at a recent low, it is a realistic goal that we truly believe is attainable."

Mayor Daniel Mahoney thanks officers for their commitment to improving safety in Jackson. "Our police department works closely with residents on reducing gun violence and the latest numbers tell the story of how these efforts are working to make our community safer," Mahoney said. "We know more work is needed to eliminate gun violence in Jackson but we're reinforced by seeing this positive trend."

The latest statistics are available for residents to view in the Police Department section of the City website, cityofjackson.org.