The city of Jackson introduced the town’s new litter enforcement officer, Rick Butler, at a press conference held at the Jackson Police Department Headquarters on Wednesday, June 7.
JPD, in collaboration with the city, Keep Jackson Beautiful and the department of health and sanitation, announced that they plan to make collaborative efforts to address littering and illegal dumping in the city through the new officer position.
Butler is a recently retired officer, having been in the field for 30 years before stepping down in 2022. The need for a litter enforcement officer was the perfect time for him to step back in.
“Part of this role is going to be education, part is going to be warning and citations if need be and then prosecution,” said Chief Tom Corely. “We’re going to work with the district attorney’s office and city court in that realm. If we need to go that route, we’re certainly going to prosecute for illegal dumping and littering in the city of Jackson.”
Corely also reiterated the importance of community partnership in addressing these issues. Business owners, property owners and citizens are asked to help the city by educating themselves and reporting when they see illegal dumping.
To report illegal dumping or learn more about the laws surrounding this issue, visit litter.jacksontn.gov or email [email protected].
