Tyree Jones has been named Jackson’s police chief once again as a nationwide search for a permanent replacement for the recently retired Joseph Wade continues.
On Tuesday night, the city council voted unanimously to reappoint the Hinds County sheriff to a post he held in the interim following Wade’s retirement. While the search for a new chief was initially set for three months – as state law only permits interim appointments to serve as 90 days – Mayor John Horhn said during his first State of the City speech last month that the window is being extended to “find the best possible police chief we can find.” The extension meant Jones needed to be voted on as the city’s top cop by the council.
“We’re conducting a nationwide search for a new chief. Now, that is not to say that we’re closing the door on any local applicants [or] regional applicants,” Horhn said at the time. “It became clear that time isn’t the measure that matters most. The process is. What counts is getting this decision right, not getting it fast. We’re listening to every voice, weighing every perspective, because this road carries real weight for our city’s future.”
Jones, who continues to fulfill his duties as sheriff, reiterated that he is not a candidate for the permanent position but is grateful for the opportunity to keep serving wherever he can.
“Although still temporary, as the search continues for the permanent chief, I am humbled and grateful for this continued opportunity,” a statement from Jones reads, in part. “Again, I’d like to thank Mayor John Horhn and the city council for their commitment to not only me but their commitment to public safety.”
Former U.S. Marshal George White and former Mississippi Highway Patrol Chief Col. Charles Haynes have been leading the search committee for a new police chief and have held public input meetings across the city. The city council also recently approved a contract with the Police Executive Research Forum, a search firm credited with aiding in successful law enforcement hires in places like Boston and Denver.