The Professional Standards and Integrity Unit (PSIU) has the responsibility of overseeing many facets of the Department’s personnel, policies, practices and training. Under the command of Captain Gary Benton, this group is tasked with all matters related to legal issues, professional standards, training, uniform and equipment procurement and distribution, policy development, personnel issues, and oversight for the Department’s information technology initiatives.

Legal Advisor
The Department Legal Advisor serves as General Counsel to the Chief of Police, Executive Command Staff and department personnel. The role of the Legal Advisor is to support the Department’s efforts through training of applicable legal principles, statutory law and court opinions; advising for current or proposed practices and policies; and liaison with courts, attorneys and other professionals regarding legal proceedings that involve or impact the Department. In addition, the Legal Advisor works in tandem with the City Attorney’s office in the drafting and presentation of proposed City Ordinances. Captain Gary Benton serves as the Department Legal Advisor, and he may be contacted at [email protected]

Training
The Jackson Police Department is recognized across the state as having professional and highly trained officers and staff. We are fortunate to have many skilled experts and instructors in varying law enforcement disciplines and specialty areas among our ranks, and the Department continually offers specialized training to our officers and those from other local agencies. The Training personnel at JPD schedule and manage training seminars, department annual in-service for sworn personnel, training records, new recruit orientation and perform oversight of POST compliance for the Department and all personnel.

Internal Affairs / Citizen Complaints
One of the main responsibilities of the PSIU involves the integrity and professionalism of police officers and department employees as they serve the citizens of Jackson. The mission statement of the Jackson Police Department holds that we, as public servants, will endeavor to be honest, fair, impartial, courteous, professional and responsive in the fulfillment of our duties. If this pledge is ever called into question, the PSIU is responsible for conducting thorough, objective and detailed investigations to answer that inquiry.

Uniform Services
Primary duties of the Uniform Services section include outfitting department personnel with assigned uniforms, uniform items and related equipment. Uniform Services personnel are responsible for the equipment procurement process, and work with City Purchasing personnel to comply with proper bidding and purchase practices.

Policy Development
All sworn and civilian personnel of the Jackson Police Department are governed by sound policies, practices and procedures. But because laws, technology and even crime trends change over time, the rules and regulations that support the actions of the Department and its members must accordingly evolve. The maintenance and revision of best practices, policies and standard operating procedures, as well as the attainment of any relevant accreditation is a continuing function of the PSIU.

Personnel Issues
The PSIU oversees personnel matters including pre-employment screening and background investigations, administration of the Department’s drug testing program, and liaison with the City Personnel Director. If you are interested in joining the Jackson Police Department, please contact the City of Jackson Personnel Department for more information.

Records Management
Records Management, as the name implies, is responsible for maintaining all official records for the Jackson Police Department.