The Jackson Police Department protects residents and visitors through proactive law enforcement, responsive emergency services, community-oriented policing, thorough crime prevention initiatives, and strategic public safety planning—ensuring a safer, stronger Jackson every day.
Dr. RaShall M. Brackney retired from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police after more than 30 years of service, rising through the ranks to serve as a commander overseeing major crimes,
operations, special operations, administration, and crime analysis. During her tenure in Pittsburgh, she became the first African American woman in the country to oversee a Special Operations Division that included SWAT, Mounted Patrol, Accident Investigation, Hostage Negotiations, River Rescue, Traffic, and the Bomb Squad.
After her service in Pittsburgh, Dr. Brackney was appointed Chief of Police for the George Washington University Police Department in Washington, D.C., leading a campus agency in a large urban environment. She was later selected as Chief of Police in Charlottesville, Virginia, becoming the first Black woman to lead the Charlottesville Police Department and taking on the work of rebuilding public trust and advancing reforms.
Dr. Brackney is widely recognized for her expertise in harm reduction, procedural and restorative justice, and reshaping community–police relationships. She has been tapped by federal partners to address bias-based policing and hate crimes reporting. She has also served in academic roles, including as a professor and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice at institutions such as George Mason University, where her teaching and research focus on police legitimacy, transparency, and reimagining public safety.
With over 30 years in law enforcement, Assistant Chief of Police, Wendell E. Watts is a seasoned leader in policing, security, and emergency management. A Mississippi native, he has dedicated his career to public safety and community engagement.
Assistant Chief Watts serves as Assistant Chief of the Operations Division. This Division consists of the Patrol Services Bureau and the Investigative Services Bureau. These division are the primary law enforcement components of the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant Chief Watts began with the Jackson Police Department, rising through the ranks to hold key leadership roles, including Commander of the Gun Interdiction Unit—where he led a 55% reduction in violent crime—and Precinct 4 Commander. He later served as Captain at the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and Director of Security and emergency Management at Merit Health Central. As the first Chief of Police for Gluckstadt, he established the department, municipal court, and a 15,000-square-foot police complex.
A recipient of the Medal of Valor and International Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Assistant Chief Watts remains committed to innovative policing and safer communities.
Contact (Email): wwatts@jacksonms.gov
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Deputy Chief Tyrone J. Buckley, M.P.A., Ph.D(c), is a 24-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department, currently leading the Administrative Support Services Division. A native of Sharon, MS, he has been instrumental in strategic planning, resource management, and operational oversight since joining the department in 2001.
Deputy Chief Buckley oversees numerous critical units, including Fleet Management, the Real-time Crime Center, Public Information Office, Jail Operations, Records Management, Crisis Intervention, and multiple community outreach programs. His leadership ensures seamless coordination between executive leadership and department personnel.
An alumnus of Alcorn State University (B.A. Criminal Justice) and Belhaven University (M.P.A.), he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Jackson State University. He is also an FBI Command College graduate and a certified law enforcement instructor.
Throughout his career, he has risen through the ranks—serving in Patrol, Investigations, and Administrative Bureaus—holding positions from Patrolman to Deputy Chief. Actively engaged in community service, he is a Phi Beta Sigma member and has contributed to organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. His dedication to public service and leadership excellence continues to strengthen the Jackson Police Department.
Contact:
Email: tbuckley@city.jackson.ms.us
Phone: (601) 960-1951
Contact:
Email: marcoj@city.jackson.ms.us
Deputy Chief Sequerna Banks is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 30 years of service. She began her career with the Jackson Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer, quickly earning recognition as Metro Top Cop.
Rising through the ranks, she served as a Quality-of-Life Officer, Sergeant in both the Patrol Division and Property Crimes Unit, and later as a Lieutenant.
She went on to lead as Commander of Major Investigations and the Patrol Division before assuming her current role as Deputy Chief of The Investigative Services Bureau. She oversees the investigatory arm of the Jackson Police Department.
Committed to innovation and community safety, Deputy Chief Banks continues to serve with integrity and dedication.
Contact:
Email: wkendrick@city.jackson.ms.us
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(Email): wwatts@jacksonms.gov
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