JACKSON Tenn, (July 14, 2015) – Lightning damage to a communication tower during July 14 storm has not disrupted the Jackson Police Department’s ability to respond to calls for service, said Jackson Police Chief Julian Wiser.

“The police department has not missed a single call for service,” said Chief Wiser. “The City of Jackson has a contingency plan that allows officers to continue responding to calls without interruption if a communications tower is damaged or destroyed.”

In this contingency plan, officers are able to communicate internally and continue operations of responding to calls, he said.

According to Public Information Officer, Derrick Tisdale,  Jackson Police Department understands that many people have been affected by their inability to monitor radio traffic from police dispatch. However, the channel that is designated as the backup channel is on a different system and is not available to the public.

The damaged tower, located in North Jackson, is critical for communication and response to emergency traffic and will be repaired.

The Jackson Police Department asks the public to remain vigilant during this time.