Police radio traffic is public once again

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg Daily News has confirmed that police radio traffic returned to the public airways as of 7 a.m. this morning.

In late 2023, the prior administration made the decision to shut down public access to police radio traffic for the sake of “officer safety.” The decision was controversial and seen by some as an attempt by that administration to hide crime from the public. Just two weeks ago, newly installed Police Chief Larry Burns made the decision to return to public broadcast of police radio traffic.

“I promised to make our city government, including our public safety operations, more open and accountable to the people we serve,” said Mayor Thompson. “Chief Burns’ decision reflects that promise. Transparency and trust go hand in hand, and this change will empower our residents to be active participants in keeping their neighborhoods safe. When people know what’s happening, they can be part of the solution.”

Chief Burns emphasized that the change will not compromise officer safety or investigative integrity. Sensitive operations such as tactical responses, ongoing investigations, or incidents involving personal information will continue to use secure, secondary channels. Routine dispatches, however, will once again be accessible to the public and local media, consistent with most neighboring jurisdictions.

“The Warren County Sheriff’s Office uses primary,” Burns said. “A lot of our other local emergency agencies use primary. I believe the citizens of Vicksburg should have the opportunity to hear their officers at work. Our goal is to be as open as possible while still protecting critical operations.”

Mayor Thompson said this shift represents more than a communications policy change. It marks a larger cultural transformation within city government.

“We’re rebuilding public confidence one decision at a time — not behind closed doors, but in full view of the people we serve,” Thompson said. “This decision sends a clear message: Vicksburg is serious about public safety and just as serious about transparency.”