Vicksburg Police Urge Safety, Accountability During Holidays

VICKSBURG, Miss. – As the holiday season approaches, the Vicksburg Police Department is reminding residents to prioritize safety and responsibility in their celebrations. In light of recent changes to city ordinances, which now enforce jail sentences of 30 days to 12 months for certain firearm violations, including celebratory gunfire, Police Chief Penny Jones is urging the community to work together to prevent reckless and dangerous behavior.

A Holiday Message from the Vicksburg Police Department

The holidays are a time for celebration, but we must ensure they’re safe for everyone in our community. Recently, the City of Vicksburg passed an ordinance changing penalties for certain firearm violations: offenders now face no less than 30 days and up to 12 months in jail. This includes individuals caught shooting guns into the air, which remains a reckless and dangerous act.

Community Concerns About Shots Fired

We understand frustrations about reports of shots fired in the community. It’s important to note that while officers work tirelessly to investigate, we often face challenges without witnesses or evidence. If you don’t see who is shooting, we likely won’t either unless we’re on the scene.

This is where community cooperation becomes critical. If you witness someone shooting a gun:

• Take a video or photo if it’s safe to do so.
• Report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers or directly to the police, by calling 911.

We need your help to hold offenders accountable. Together, we can create a safer Vicksburg.

The Rise of Firearm Use Among Youth

Crime trends have changed significantly over the past year. We’re seeing more young people gaining access to firearms, leading to increased incidents of random gunfire. While police are making arrests, many suspects are quickly released due to decisions outside of our control, such as bond settings.

Our Message to the Community

This holiday season, we urge everyone:

• Do not shoot guns into the air. It’s not just a holiday celebration—it’s illegal and dangerous.
• Work with us to take our community back. By reporting what you see, capturing evidence, and standing together, we can make Vicksburg safer.

As your Police Chief, I want to assure you that our officers are committed to doing their best with the resources available. We take great pride in serving the citizens of Vicksburg, and we share in your frustrations when it comes to reducing crime.

Let’s make this holiday season peaceful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Remember: If you see something, say something. Together, we can make a difference.

Wishing you and your family a safe holiday season,
Chief Penny L. Jones
Vicksburg Police Department

Police Chief Jones also included the Mississippi statute that the City of Vicksburg’s ordinance is bound by. This section of Mississippi law addresses situations where someone intentionally fires a gun at someone else’s house and causes damage. The damage can be to the house itself, any property in or around it, or even animals like pets or livestock.

Such an act is classified as a misdemeanor, and the penalties for violating this law include:

1. A fine of up to $1,000,
2. Up to 12 months in county jail,
3. Or both a fine and jail time.

Below is the statute:

Mississippi Code 1972 (2023)
Title 97 – CRIMES (§§ 97-1-1 — 97-47-9)
Chapter 37 – WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES (§§ 97-37-1 — 97-37-105)
GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 97-37-1 — 97-37-39)
Section 97-37-30 – Willful discharge of a firearm toward the dwelling of another causing damage to property or domesticated animal or livestock

A person who willfully discharges his firearm toward the dwelling of another, causing property damage to the dwelling or any domesticated animal or livestock, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding twelve (12) months in the county jail, or both.