JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - House Bill 1020, one of the more controversial bills passed during the 2023 Legislative session, is now in effect. “We’re all excited about working with more law enforcement because any time you see blue lights, you’re gonna not quite commit the crime,” said Wendell Watts. Previously, the Capitol Complex Improvement District spanned over 8.63 square miles. Now, that coverage area has doubled, giving Capitol Police primary jurisdiction in 15% of Jackson. “We’ve been building our police force, too,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “We were granted up to 150 officers a year ago, and we’ve reached that goal. We actually have a couple more than that. So we built that foresight, [and] we’ve been preparing, and we’re ready for the expansion.” So what happens if you call 911 in the new CCID? “911, right now, will go through all of us, Watts explained. “[It] will go through the Jackson Police Department. Now once AT&T is done with the 911 system for Capitol [Police], they will be routed to their dispatch system at that point.” When it comes to the new court system where judges and prosecutors are appointed rather than elected, construction on the new court house and holding facility is still in the works. “I think there were certain aspects of it that was struck down,” Tindell said. “But one of the things that did remain was having the CCID court, which is focused on misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and bond hearings. Every municipality across the state has one of those.” However, Chief Justice Mike Randolph has yet to appoint a CCID judge at this time, which means the Jackson Municipal Court judges will continue to handle Capitol Police cases. Despite the coordination overlap in dispatch, court hearings, and cases, DPS and JPD feel the transition will be smooth. “I haven’t seen that type of collaboration in a very long time,” Watts said. “I think we’re going do a lot for the city.” “This is by no means a takeover,” Tindell said. “This is a force multiplier, and law enforcement agencies working together to create a safer city.”

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HINDS COUNTY, Miss. — The Hinds County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Capitol police to launch the "4th of July Holiday Blitz." The operation, which kicks off Wednesday, July 3, and goes through Sunday, July 7, is aimed at enhancing safety and promoting “responsible celebrations during the holiday weekend,” according to a news release from the sheriff. The operation will include saturation patrols across Hinds County to deter criminal activity and enforce traffic laws. Residents can also expect to see traffic safety checkpoints that will target impaired drivers and seat belt violations, among other safety concerns. “Let’s celebrate safely,” Sheriff Tyree Jones said. “Designate a sober driver, buckle up and enjoy the holiday responsibly.”

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JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A former Pearl police chief who was the subject of a 3 On Your Side investigation into possible misuse of Rankin County tax dollars now has a high-ranking role at one state agency while he’s being investigated by another. The Department of Public Safety confirmed Dean Scott started working for Capitol Police on July 1. Spokesperson Bailey Martin said Scott was hired as a lieutenant and will be over communications and dispatch but did not disclose his salary. The average annual pay for a lieutenant with Capitol Police is approximately $70,000, according to records WLBT obtained from the Mississippi State Personnel Board. “With the growth of Capitol Police, the department is continuing to build its team and seeking experienced law enforcement officers to meet the demands of the expanding district,” Martin said in a statement to WLBT. “Dean Scott’s former experience in communications will be an asset as a Dispatch Supervisor.”