NCJ Number
255467
Date Published
2020
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is a case study of the work done by Jackson, Mississippi, as a participant in the U.S. Justice Department's National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), which provides resources to assist participating cities in addressing violent crime through the development of data-driven, evidence-based strategies tailored to each city's needs.
Abstract
Upon joining the PSP in 2016, Jackson was experiencing significant victimizations from homicides, aggravated assaults with firearms, and armed robberies. The Jackson Police Department (JPD) indicated the prevalence of gun-related crimes. Upon joining the PSP initiative, Jackson identified three focus areas: building crime analysis capacities, improving technology, and improving investigative capabilities. PSP resources were used to develop capacities and skills needed to respond to and prevent violence, with a focus on the partnerships required for a comprehensive response to violent crime. This report lists the nine agencies involved in the coordinated countermeasures against violent crime. Upon joining the PSP, the JPD did not have any crime analysts or a crime analysis unit. With support from the PSP, the Jackson PSP site team identified the need to improve its capacities for crime analysis that informs police responses and operations. PSP training and technical assistance resources were used to provide crime analysis. In the summer of 2019, JPD began restructuring staff into a formal crime analysis section that focused on crime reporting accuracy, crime analysis capacity, and the information needed for JPD operational decisions. Other improvements described in this case study involved improving technology and investigative capabilities. Overall, the Jackson experience in addressing violent crime is a model for how to overcome the budgetary limitations of a police department when building crime analysis or technical capacities.