Crime prevention plan could be revived

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) – A crime prevention plan started years ago in Columbus and Lowndes County could be making a comeback.

Lowndes County Supervisor Leroy Brooks said the idea started years ago under a previous city administration.

Brooks has been talking with city and county law enforcement officers about bringing back a community crime prevention task force.

The idea would put Columbus Police and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at the same table.

Brooks said the plan would go beyond law enforcement agencies. He said what has encouraged him so far is the willingness of both agencies to work together.

“I’ve been around a long time, and it’s an oddity for police chiefs and sheriffs to be on the same page,” Brooks said. “But they are. It’s time.”

Brooks said the next step is bringing the community into it.

He wants public groups, neighborhood associations, and business owners to get involved.

Police Chief Garland Ward said part of that work could start with something as simple as sharing information.

“We’re chasing the same people, my CI division, his CI division, compare notes,” Ward said ”We collaborate with each other and try to get the best case available presented to the DA’s office.”

Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said the focus would be on the people they believe are driving much of the violent crime.

“If we can do something about those 10 percent, then we’ve made 90 percent of our headache go away,” Sheriff Hawkins said.