The City of Jackson is asking residents to share their thoughts on the nationwide search for the capital city’s new chief of police.

The goal is to ensure “that residents’ voices shape the selection of Jackson’s next Chief of Police,” a Sept. 18 City of Jackson press release states. The City will host five public forums for residents to share their perspectives with the Police Chief Search Committee on public safety priorities, leadership qualities, and the future of the Jackson Police Department.

Former Jackson Chief of Police Joseph Wade stepped down from the role last month. He told the Jackson City Council that the stress of the job led to his decision.

“We are facing so many issues (with) crime and quality of life. I don’t take that lightly as (just) stats or data. I internalize that,” he said. 

“I take it home with me (and) empathize with people. When I’m awakened in the middle of the night and a kid has been killed or a baby has been killed or an elderly person has been killed, I can’t roll over and go back to sleep,” Wade continued.

He retired after nearly 30 years with the department, including the past two as its chief.

Chief Police officer at a meeting talking with media.
Jackson Chief of Police Joseph Wade resigned on Aug. 26. 2025. Photo by Shaunicy Muhammad, Mississippi Free Press

On the same day Wade announced his retirement, Mayor John Horhn shared that Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones would take over as interim chief of police. Jones said he had no intention of remaining in the role permanently.

The five public forums are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following days at the following locations:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Forest Hill High School, 2607 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS
  • Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Westside Community Center, 1650 Wiggins Road, Jackson, MS
  • Monday, Sept. 29 – Jackson Medical Mall, Community Room, 350 West Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30 – First Presbyterian Church, Miller Hall, 1390 N. State St., Jackson, MS
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1900 Robinson Road, Jackson, MS

The City of Jackson is also asking residents to share their thoughts about public safety in the capital city by completing an online survey at jacksonms.gov/survey.

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Capital City reporter Shaunicy Muhammad covers a variety of issues affecting Jackson residents, with a particular focus on causes, effects and solutions for systemic inequities in South Jackson neighborhoods, supported by a grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. She grew up in Mobile, Alabama where she attended John L. LeFlore High School and studied journalism at Spring Hill College. She has an enduring interest in Africana studies and enjoys photography, music and tennis.