Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby spoke about his experience in public service, police department operations through 2023 and what they have planned for the future at Tuesday’s Hopkinsville Rotary Club meeting.
In early 2023, Newby was working with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office until April when he was selected by Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight to serve as the chief of police.
Newby shared that in 2023 the department has become fully staff and said the department had not been fully staffed in 13 years having 77 sworn in officers, 26 dispatchers and six civilian staff members.
Over the course of the year, Newby said officers have responded to around 51,000 calls for service. Starting 2023, Newby said they had around four officers on patrol each shift, but once all of their sworn in officers undergo training, he hopes to have 11 officers patrolling during each shift.
Looking to the future, Newby said they will be resuming the Citizens Police Academy, requesting more officers from the Hopkinsville City Council and taking over school resource officer duties at all schools located in Hopkinsville.
To crack down on gun related crimes, Newby said he has talked with federal prosecutors and agents to federally charge those arrested for gun violence, so if they receive a sentence then they will have to serve at least 85% of their time without the possibility of parole.
Along with gun violence, Newby said they are working to find ways to address homelessness in Hopkinsville and plans to have a conversation with members of the Hopkinsville Salvation Army on how to approach the matter.
Newby said law enforcement’s responses to homelessness in the city could be impacted by the United States Supreme Court which is set to make a ruling on whether it is humane to issue citations to homeless individuals for camping on city property and public areas.
As of right now, Newby says there is not a lot they can do regarding homelessness, but he and his officers do offer them help if they have addiction issues and also try and connect them to the resources offered by the Salvation Army.
Photo courtesy of Hopkinsville Rotary Club on Facebook