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Mayor Flaggs addresses “Perception Issue” involving VPD

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Mayor flaggs perception

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Mayor Flaggs addressed what he called a “perception issue” regarding the recent negative press surrounding filmed incidents involving the Vicksburg Police Department and announced that the officer involved in the December 4, 2024 officer involved shooting incident was also recently filmed in an interaction with a man filming an arrest will be removed “from the streets or making public arrests.”

Flaggs also stated that he will be reaching out to the state to get information on the investigation regarding the shooting incident that left 17-year-old A’Marion Thomas dead on December 4.

In last week’s video, the officer could be seen not wearing a body camera.

Flaggs spoke directly to Vicksburg Police Chief Jones in the weekly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Alderman stating: “You need to increase the training, increase the professionalism, and show that we can get back on the road. And I reiterate, every police officer that is on the streets of Vicksburg needs to have a body camera, and it needs to be working, and if you find out it’s not working, you need to report it. It is our lifeline,or protection is the body cameras.”

The Mayor went on to read from a written statement stating: “As both Mayor and Police Commissioner, I recently met with a group business owners to discuss crime perception and a way we can improve public safety. I have also started a weekly briefing with the Police Chief to review these reports and ensure accountability, not just from the law enforcement but from my office as well.”

Flaggs also discussed that 911 call logs will be analyzed to identify high-target crime areas as well as areas that are receiving multiple shooting incident calls to better send resources where they are needed most.

“Our goal is clear, those who commit crimes in our city will be held accountable. We are committed to putting offenders in jail and to work to keep them there. At the same time we are focused on stretching our partnership with the law enforcement, businesses, and residents to create a safe environment for everyone.”

Flaggs went on to also address the bail reduction of Koury DeMichael Lawrence, one of four suspects arrested for the 2023 murder of 13-year-old Carleone Woodland, who had his bond reduced in court on Friday morning.

“We’re up against a revolving door,” said Flaggs. “We cant have the best lawyers representing the [worst] criminals. Public safety remains a top priority and we continue to explore effective strategies that make a real impact of crime and the perception of crime in our community.”

The Mayor said that after a meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 4, Chief Jones will update the community on the officer.

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