From the Jackson Police Department
After 25 years with the Jackson Police Department, Police Chief Julian Wiser announces his retirement from the department on Jan. 7, 2022.
Chief Wiser, who was appointed Police Chief in 2014, and his team have focused on technology advancements, community policing, crime suppression and being financially responsible with the department’s budget. For the past five years, the police department has been more than $3 million under budget.
After retirement as Police Chief, Wiser will focus on his campaign to become the Republican nominee for Madison County Sheriff in the May 3, 2022, primary.
“It has been an honor to serve with some of the finest people in our profession,” Wiser said. “Jackson is a great community; I thank everyone for the support they’ve given me and our department.”
As Police Chief, Wiser was instrumental in the implementation of a policing concept called Blue Impact, which combines the concepts of intelligence-driven, community-oriented and focused policing and uses data, intelligence and other resources to reduce crime. Blue Impact focuses on enforcing the law on drug dealers, gang members and other violent offenders. Along with enforcement, Blue Impact also focuses on building stronger community partnerships to reduce crime and address other community issues.
In ongoing efforts to have the police department represent the entire community, Wiser promoted the first woman to the position of Captain in the history of the department and the first African-American woman to the position of Lieutenant.
Technology advancements during his tenure as Police Chief include the implementation of body cameras for officers; Shotspotter, which detects and identifies the location of gunfire in the community; and increasing the presence of the Blue Light camera program.
Along with pay raises for officers, Wiser also implemented a physical fitness program that offers a financial bonus for passing certain fitness levels.
Wiser served the majority of his Jackson Police Department career in the Special Operations Division. He started as a K-9 officer and advanced through the ranks, reaching Division Commander of Special Operations, which includes managing the Tactical Unit, Gang Unit, Canine Unit, Aviation Unit, Bomb Unit, Hostage Negotiators and Metro Narcotics.
Wiser also served with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a Task Force Officer during his career.
Besides his 26 years in law enforcement, Wiser also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years. He and his wife, Julie, have been married for 25 years and have two sons, Blake and Parker.
