Jackson has a new top cop. Christopher Simpson became Chief of the Jackson Police Department (JPD) in Feb. following the retirement of former Chief Elmer Hitt.
The new chief previously served 25 years with JPD, retiring as a Lieutenant in 2017, and four years as Undersheriff of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Continuing the department’s outreach work is a priority for Simpson. “Ensuring that citizens of Jackson remain safe and employees of the Jackson Police Department are highly trained, professional, and ethical in all policing endeavors. I plan on looking at where we are internally and make changes if needed,” Chief Simpson said.
The City of Jackson thanks former Chief Hitt for his 29 years of service. Under Hitt’s leadership, the police department expanded its involvement in the community, such as launching the Group Violence Intervention Program, a community-centered strategy that is reducing gun violence in the City. “I know Chief Simpson will do good things for the City. It was truly an honor to serve the City of Jackson as the Director of Police and Fire Services over the past eight years,” Hitt said.