Annual report shows decline in violent crimes in Vicksburg

Listen to this article

In July 2021, Penny Jones stepped into her role as Police Chief, along with Deputy Chief appointees: Mike Bryant, Charlie Hill, and Troy Kimble, for the Vicksburg Police Department. One year later, the City of Vicksburg is seeing her experience and leadership reflected in the crime statistics.

“I was confident in appointing a Chief of Police in 2021, and I am even more confident in her in 2022,” said Mayor and Police Commissioner George Flaggs, Jr. “We all have the same goal: the commitment to protect the public safety of our residents, tourists, and our community.”

Under Chief Jones’ leadership, violent crimes have decreased in every category year over year.  Three murders occurred in Vicksburg over the past year, down from 9 the year before.  Rapes in the city were cut in half, and there were 34 fewer aggravated assaults.

(credit: City of Vicksburg)

“We are doing a great job, but we can always do better,” Chief Jones said. “There are three areas of crime that our department is tackling now: residential burglaries, automobile burglaries, and domestic violence – domestic violence being the highest number of calls that we respond to.”

Chief Jones’ strategy on handling these three categories is implementing the NOLA camera system throughout the city. She also advises everyone to lock your doors. “Ensuring that yourself and your belongings are safely secured will drastically help burglaries decrease in the City of Vicksburg.”

“Violence will not be tolerated in our city, and the police force that we have now is ensuring that,” Mayor Flaggs said. “I encourage everyone, if you see something, say something. Projects like the NOLA camera system will also play a big role in being eyes and ears around the city. I look forward to watching Chief Jones, the Deputy Chiefs, and the Vicksburg Police Department grow under her leadership.”

If you or someone you know suffers from domestic violence or abuse, please call the Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or the Haven House Family Shelter: 601-638-0555.