Joseph Wade has been selected to serve as the next police chief of Jackson after holding the interim position for three months.
Wade — formerly Jackson PD’s Assistant Chief — was selected as the capital city’s interim chief in May following the retirement of police chief James Davis, who had worked in law enforcement for over three decades.
Davis spent his time climbing the ranks before being appointed to the position of chief by Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in 2018. He was reappointed to the role three years later after receiving a nearly split vote from the Jackson City Council in 2021.
Davis served as police chief while the city broke a record for number of homicides. A total of approximately 160 homicides were reported throughout the city, with the next year totaling 136.
Now, Wade, a nearly 30-year veteran, will become the capital city’s next chief, stating during Tuesday’s official announcement at the Jackson Police Training Academy that he is honored to be selected for the role.
“This has been a 28-year journey to get to this point,” Wade explained. “Growing up in Terry, I never could have dreamed that I would be here today talking to you as police chief.”
Since Davis’ retirement, Wade has worked to increase the overall number of officers in Jackson’s police department, bringing the total amount to 234.
“We’re looking for highly motivated, highly intelligent individuals who want to give selfless service to the community,” Wade added. “This is a big job. You’re making life-and-death decisions almost every day. You want the right people making those decisions.”
