A unified approach between local, state, and federal law enforcement in Mississippi’s capital city has resulted in thousands of arrests as well as large quantities of drugs and illegal guns removed from the streets.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety recently provided an update to the ongoing “Operation Unified” mission, an all-hands-on-deck approach from police agencies to exhaust the state’s resources to rid Jackson’s streets of drug traffickers and violent criminals.
To date, “Operation Unified” has resulted in the seizing of more than 400 firearms — many of which had illegal “switches” — over $360,000 in cash, and roughly 200 pounds of illicit drugs. More than 2,000 arrests have also been made since the uptick of police presence in Mississippi’s capital city was announced.
Earlier this year, Governor @tatereeves & Commissioner @TindellSean stood with law enforcement leaders & city officials to announce, “Operation Unified,” which is geared to target violent criminals who perpetuate the cycle of violence in Jackson.
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— MS DPS (@MissDPS) August 28, 2024
The operation began in January and was announced in February at a press briefing at a location less than one block away from where a viral video showed an individual shooting what appeared to be an assault rifle from a vehicle while traveling near the QuikTrip gas station near I-55 North Frontage Road. An arrest has since been made in connection with that specific shooting.
“To those who are using our capital city as their criminal playground — your time here is over,” Gov. Tate Reeves said when the initiative was announced. “You don’t run this city, and you are not immune to the law. We will not surrender our streets to you, and we will never – and I mean never – rest until you are behind bars.”
Agencies participating in “Operation Unified” include the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol Police, Homeland Security, the Jackson Police Department, the Hinds County District Attorney, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, whose office oversees Capitol Police, ensures that this partnership is a long-term commitment to Jackson’s crime epidemic, rather than a quick fix.
