Community activists, elected officials and law enforcement in Tupelo all voice support for what’s commonly called community-oriented policing. The practice takes a proactive approach and includes using community members as active allies and partners with law enforcement. The debate, however, lies in the question of how much is the Tupelo Police Department already using such techniques and are they doing enough.
The issue of community-oriented policing has been emphasized in the aftermath of the June 18 shooting death of Antwun “Ronnie” Shumpert by a Tupelo Police officer. A group of pastors and leaders has called for a culture change within the Tupelo Police department. Among their priorities is to increase community-oriented policing.
On today’s episode, Daily Journal local government reporter Caleb Bedillion (4:18) joins Derek and Brad to discuss the practice, the debate and what could happen next.
Bedillion (9:31) also talks about the Tupelo Police Department’s recent efforts to get body cameras for its officers and about a problem that has delayed that process.
Also on today’s show, Daily Journal Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (14:28) describes an effort to require Mississippi consumers to pay sales tax on items they purchase online.
Plus, Brad (24:50) has the highlights of last week’s wackiest crime reports.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download