Attorney General Merrick Garland visits Jackson; talks with local law enforcement about this year’s work
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland visited the Capital City Wednesday to meet with local law enforcement to discuss the work they have done this year.
Garland was joined by U.S. Attorney Todd Gee, along with federal, state, and law enforcement leaders.
They discussed successful cases, like a drug and gun trafficking case that led to an arrest where more than 5,700 grams of methamphetamine, 236 grams of fentanyl, and 84 grams of cocaine were seized.
According to Garland, the FBI released a report noting an 11.6% drop in homicides last year and one of the lowest violent crime rates nationwide in 50 years.
He also pointed to the work of the Justice Department to secure 10 and 40-year sentences for the six Rankin County officers known as the Goon Squad.
Garland speaks about restoring trust in communities like Rankin County after opening an investigation into the Sheriff’s Department and hopes their continued work can bring that.
“As we work together to reduce violent crime, we know that building and maintaining public trust is essential to public safety. That is why the Justice Department has taken action when that trust has been violated,” Attorney General Garland said.
They also announced grant work, like the nearly $300,000 awarded to Jackson to enhance its forensic science capabilities.
That grant is part of the more than $29 million the Justice Department is awarding to organizations and government agencies in Mississippi this month to support law enforcement activities and community initiatives.
Garland then commended the work of these agencies, as they continue work to limit crime in Jackson and throughout the state.
“I am very proud of the public servants who make up this office, and I am equally proud of the relationships that they have built the law enforcement agencies around this table. Those partnerships are the essence of the way in which we combat violent crime and protect our communities.”
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