CRIME-FIGHTING

Professionalism An Essential Facet

Probably the biggest public criticism regarding the Jackson Police
Department is "attitude."

Complaints have ranged from police being slow to respond to calls to
officers and detectives generally having a "So, what?" attitude.

That's not "professionalism." It doesn't aid in police work and contributes
to public perceptions of police indifference to crime.

That is why it is encouraging that Police Chief Robert Moore has made
professionalism the second point of the new "Five Point Plan to Fight Crime
in Jackson." The policy change, as outlined by Moore, is twofold:

* Increase standards and communicate expectations through rigorous training;

* Hold officers (from commanders to rank and file) accountable for
appearance and performance through regular inspections, feedback and job
appraisals.

These policies began after Moore took office in July. But the plan
incorporates more specific tasks, with regular in-service training
(including "customer service" and on etiquette and appearance) and training
by the FBI.

JPD has suffered for years from morale and image problems, stemming from
several reasons.

There has been chronic, longstanding low pay and understaffing.

Internal corruption has dogged the department. An FBI probe netted six
indictments in 2000 for officers accused of protecting drug dealers. A
survey showed police themselves thought up to 25 percent were taking drugs
or money from drug dealers. Talk about a "perception" problem.

JPD also was rudderless for more than a year while it lacked a permanent
police chief in 2001-2002.

There has been a lack of a clear promotion process due to legal issues.
There was no clear authority or oversight.

Moore, on taking office, moved immediately to address some of these issues.
He changed shifts to give officers better hours; began an aggressive hiring
program; has proposed raising pay; made recruiting more selective; added
promotions to boost the number of supervisory sergeant posts, and other
changes. It's time to go to a new level.

The past, however lamentable, is no excuse for shoddy service. Jackson
citizens need to feel police are on their side. They need to be treated
with courtesy and respect. They need to feel confident that the person with
the badge is knowledgeable, competent and ready to help.

Professionalism is not the most important part of the new crime-fighting
plan; aggressive enforcement is. But aggressive law enforcement depends on
a top-flight force.

Improving professionalism will impact crime.

Tomorrow: Interagency Cooperation.