Ridgeland Police Chief and President of Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP), John Neal, announced a new way that police departments across the state can communicate with their legislature. The "10-8 Report" gets its name from the police code that means on duty.
The "10-8 Report" will identify legislative performance on issues that directly or indirectly impact Mississippi's police officers. Legislators will be graded on how they vote on law enforcement issues, support initiatives that impact police, and encourage other legislators to be supportive of police efforts. The grade system will use the lettering system, A-F.
The announcement of the "10-8 Report" came with their legislative agenda as well. MACP would like to see a state sponsored bullet proof vest program. A $1 for $1 state matching fund to federal funds that are available--revolving fund for small departments first, second year for medium departments, and third year for large departments. The rotation for funding this program starts over on the fourth year. MACP is recommending $250,000 for the first year.
The second item on their agenda is supplemental pay for sworn law enforcement officers who are employed by accredited departments. MACP are proposing $1,200 a year for officers in the 29 accredited departments.
The third item is a request to revamp the Mississippi Board on Standards and Training for Law Enforcement to allow MACP association president to serve in the same manner as all other associations on the board.
