Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Friday that he’s calling on the state’s attorney general to investigate comments made by a local councilman, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.
Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes said, “When you have these police officers coming from other jurisdictions and they will not respect human life, then I said we should use rocks, bricks or bottles to try to get the message over: Stop endangering our children.”
City officials have long complained about neighboring police departments crossing into Jackson in high-speed chases to pursue petty criminals.
“These kind of chases put children in danger,” Stokes said. “Now, it is our position that if it is a misdemeanor, you shouldn’t be putting children and the elderly in danger.”
For Bryant, the councilman’s comments crossed a line. “Mr. Stokes’ remarks are reprehensible, particularly with the attacks we have seen against our men and women in law enforcement,” the governor said.
Bryant continued: “I will be asking Attorney General Jim Hood to investigate whether Mr. Stokes’ remarks represent criminal threats against law-enforcement officers.”
Hood said that those types of comments are intolerable and hinted that he would investigate. “Frustration or dissatisfaction with police policies or procedures does not give any person, especially an elected official, the right to jeopardize the safety of officers,” he stated.
Stokes, who said he has a degree in criminal justice and almost became a policeman, said he has “love and respect for police officers.” The police, however, must use common sense and think about public safety, he added.
Read more at the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.