The search was over before it began.
Jackson Mayor-elect Frank Melton said he wants Shirlene Anderson, former deputy director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, to lead the city’s Police Department.
“I’m getting away from the good ol’ boys club,” he said. “We have females in the JPD. We’ve had them on there forever. The officers are looking for leadership and couldn’t care about color or sex of that leadership. They need someone to stand up and take care of them.”
Although Melton won’t become mayor until July, he said he plans to announce Anderson as his pick today.
The chief serves at the will and pleasure of the mayor but is confirmed by the seven-member City Council. With that approval, Anderson would become the department’s first female chief.
Clarion Ledger
6/14/5
