(Jackson, MS) – Today, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced Assistant Police Chief James Davis as the new Interim Chief of the Jackson Police Department. Davis replaces former Interim Chief Anthony Moore who has had a significant positive impact on the way the Jackson Police Department has operated during his time as Interim Chief. Such achievements include participating in the creation of the Officer ID Task Force, starting a class for JPD recruits, eliminating the distribution of mugshots, and the implementation of an independent review process to handle cases of officer involved shootings.
Moore was initially brought on to replace retired Police Chief Lee Vance.
During today’s news conference, Mayor Lumumba thanked Chief Moore for his service saying, “Chief Moore has been instrumental in helping to shape the direction of the Jackson Police Department. Equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience on the force, he was an obvious choice to fill the role at that time.
And so, today I want to thank Chief Moore for all of his efforts while taking on the role of interim police chief – a role which has not been easy and has come with its own set of challenges. I also want to thank him for his commitment to keeping our communities safe and for laying down a ground work which we are eager to build upon.” Chief Moore was not present during the news conference.
Interim Chief James Davis brings nearly 25 years of experience with the Jackson Police Department to his new role.
His first 10 years were spent as a patrol officer before becoming the first Black Range Master at the training academy. From there, he came up through the ranks of the department being named Sargent then Lieutenant of the 3rd Precinct. He then went on to become District Commander, Deputy Chief, and then Assistant Chief. Chief James also has 15 years with the SWAT Team and is touted as a superior marksman.
Chief Davis has been a pillar of the community. Having lived in Jackson for 30 years, he has been a consistent presence in the community and is well known by church leaders, civic associations and community members.
During the news conference, Chief Davis told reporters that he was honored to be chosen by Mayor Lumumba and said that he is committed to serving the citizens with a focus on showing a greater police presence in the community.
“We’re going to join forces with our federal partners to address some of the crime issues. We’re going to reach out for all the resources that we possibly can to address the crime issues in Jackson. I want to let everybody know that I am truly committed and I look forward to this challenge. And, I look forward to partnering with the community.”, said Chief Davis.
Mayor Lumumba said that the change is necessary to keep the city moving forward with the number one goal of keeping Jacksonians safe and establishing a greater trust between the citizens and law enforcement.
“We are happy for his leadership at this time as we continue to perform a search for someone to fill this slot permanently, which Chief Davis will also be considered for,” said Mayor Lumumba.