A Message from Jackson’s Chief of Police Thom Corley
The last couple of days have been a difficult time for our community. As what was intended to be a weekend of enjoyment and preparation for the impending summer and an opportunity for friends and family to fellowship with one another, was marred by two separate acts of gun violence. I want to personally extend my thoughts and prayers to each of the families affected.
Our City of Jackson parks are designed to be a place of community. They are places we ALL can visit, and enjoy being outdoors playing, staying fit, having a picnic, or just relaxing. They should be a refuge for our children and families, safe from any suggestion of harm. When that atmosphere is disrupted by the acts of one or more people who disregard the safety of the rest of us, I become upset and discouraged. I’m sure many of you feel the same. When those acts injure children, the most precious asset to our community, I, like many of you, get very angered. I can also assure you, each Officer and staff member of the Jackson Police Department is determined to seek justice for the victims and their families, and we will prosecute fully, those responsible.
The Jackson Police Department is also committed to using whatever resources are available to make our parks as safe as possible. Last year, we installed cameras, including Flock license plate reader cameras, near the entrances to all City parks. This technology, along with witness statements and videos, was used this weekend to locate vehicles, a weapon, and persons of interest involved in the incident. The case is still under investigation and more updates will be released soon.
Our Investigators have also determined a person of interest from the violent incident on Old Hickory which resulted in a tragic loss of life. When available to be shared, updates on the status of this case will also be released. Again, if you have any information about either of these cases, please notify us at (731) 425-8400 or call CrimeStoppers at (731)424-8477.
Further investigation of both violent incidents from this weekend will hopefully shed some light on specific motives involved in each; however, no matter what caused someone to intentionally use a firearm against another, it was unacceptable. We, as citizens of this City and neighbors to each other, must do better. We, as stakeholders in the future of our City, must do better in teaching our children to respect each other and the sanctity of life. We, as a community, must work together to see a reduction in gun violence.
Today, I request two things – if you are a gun owner in Jackson, please be cognizant of the responsibility which comes with your right to do so. Too many of our youth are possessing (and using) firearms which they should never possess. DO NOT let your gun become a crime gun. Do WHATEVER it takes to keep them away from those who shouldn’t have them.
Next, please take a moment to remember those who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. THAT is the true reason for this holiday, and the reason we have the rights we ALL enjoy. I hope everyone has the chance to enjoy Memorial Day with loved ones today. Be respectful, be kind, and be safe.
