Sheriff highlights drop in murders, addresses questions on new jail at JSO town hall
Share this @internewscast.com

Sheriff T.K. Waters addresses public safety concerns and questions on jail at Jacksonville’s first town hall of 2025.

The Jacksonville sheriff’s office held its first town hall of the year. Sheriff T.K. Waters shared the department’s priorities and progress.

He heard directly from neighbors who shared their concerns. Traffic was one of the big topics there Tuesday tonight.

Many people voiced concerns about speeding and congestion in their community.

Waters and his team also addressed concerns about youth violence and drug activity and plans to move the city jail.

The room was full on Tuesday night as residents of Jacksonville’s District 6 listened to Waters discuss how his team is tackling public safety issues.

“The importance of having these meetings face to face is to make sure your concerns are addressed,” said Sheriff Waters.

From 2023 to 2024, JSO said Jacksonville saw a 53.9% drop in murders, the biggest drop in years.

Waters credits proactive policing, community engagement and youth violence intervention strategies.

“We might be able to stop them, or help them choose a different path so they can live, avoid taking someone else’s life, and not end up spending their lives in prison,” Waters stated.

An ongoing concern already being addressed by the sheriff’s office is traffic.

JSO is expanding its traffic enforcement unit in the future, growing from 34 traffic officers to 50 and going from 17 motor officers to 30.

Waters also addressed building a new jail in a new location, because he says the current jail is no longer sustainable.

“This has to be done eventually, and we’re exploring many options for how to achieve it,” he mentioned. “Our city council is engaged, the mayor’s office is also on board. This isn’t just a T.K. Waters initiative; it’s something the entire city needs to address.”

As for the decline in murders and increase in cases solved, Sheriff Waters said it couldn’t have happened without the community’s help.

“This year our city has risen above the flawed perception that  it is an epicenter of violent crime, because it is not,” said Sheriff Waters.

The next JSO town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15th in district 5 at Trinity Baptist church on Hammond boulevard.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Tucker Carlson: Four Truths for an Honest Israel Debate

Tucker Carlson: Key Points for a Genuine Discussion on Israel

Tucker Carlson is calling the bluff on decades of bipartisan pandering. In…
'9-1-1' season nine preview: Mark Consuelos sends two beloved members of the 118 to space, chaos ensues

Preview of ‘9-1-1’ Season Nine: Mark Consuelos Sends Two Favorite Characters from the 118 Unit into Space, Leading to Mayhem

“9-1-1” fans, it looks like season nine is going to be out…
Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI

Expert Identifies Vulnerability in Prosecution’s Case Against Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassination

PROVO, Utah — A key challenge in the prosecution’s case against Tyler…
Rising climbing star plunges to death from Yosemite's El Capitan mid-livestream

Promising Climber Tragically Falls to Death from Yosemite’s El Capitan During Livestream

Tragedy unfolded at Yosemite National Park on Wednesday when renowned climber Balin…
Over a dozen arrested at anti-ICE protests in Chicago suburb

More than twelve people detained during anti-ICE demonstrations in a Chicago suburb

Federal agents apprehended over a dozen individuals on Friday amid demonstrations at…
Who is the British citizen of Syrian descent accused of synagogue terror attack?

British Citizen of Syrian Descent Accused in Synagogue Attack: What We Know

The individual responsible for the tragic car and knife attack near a…
Brooklyn Book Bodega feeds young minds by filling home shelves

Brooklyn Book Bodega Nourishes Young Minds by Stocking Home Bookshelves

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is home to an inspiring initiative known as…
ICE officers in Illinois targeted by illegal immigrants who used 'vehicles as weapons,' officials say

Illinois ICE Officers Attacked by Illegal Immigrants Using Vehicles as Weapons, Officials Report

Two illegal immigrants were arrested in Illinois for allegedly weaponizing their vehicles…
Chef killed in carjacking outside daycare while picking up child

Chef Fatally Attacked During Carjacking While Collecting Child from Daycare

“He loved cooking, he loved making people happy. But more than anything,…
ICE in Chicago: Barricades set up for designated protest zones near Broadview ICE facility; Air Force veteran Dana Briggs arrested

Barricades Established for Protest Zones Near Chicago’s Broadview ICE Facility; Air Force Veteran Dana Briggs Among Those Arrested

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Protesters rallied outside the Broadview U.S. Immigration and…
State-of-the-art technology restores classic film 'The Sound of Music' to its clear, bright, colorful glory 60 years after release

Cutting-edge technology revives ‘The Sound of Music,’ enhancing its clarity, brightness, and color 60 years post-release

BURBANK, Calif — To celebrate “The Sound of Music” on its 60th…
Government shutdown continues as Senate again rejects funding bills

Senate Blocks Funding Bills, Extending the Government Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota holds a copy of…