NEMCC promotes Jackson to Chief of Campus Police
Interim Chief of Campus Police Pearson will return to Assistant Chief of Campus Police role
BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (07/01/2024) — Northeast Mississippi Community College has appointed Jason Jackson of Booneville as the new Chief of Campus Police, following the passing of former chief William Anthony Anderson last March.
Jackson, who has served as a police officer at the college since 2022, will be the sixth chief of campus police for the Booneville-based institution.
After Anderson's unexpected death, assistant chief Melissa Pearson stepped into the role of interim chief but chose to return to her previous position as the academic year ended.
Jackson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked with the Guntown Police Department since 2014 and accumulating over a decade in law enforcement.
Jackson began his career at Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay, Alabama where he served as the Work/Security Director, before transitioning into full-time law enforcement.
"With Chief Jackson's background in campus safety and commitment to our community, we are confident in his ability to prioritize and uphold the safety of everyone at Northeast Mississippi Community College," said Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford. "His experience and dedication make him an excellent choice for the role of Chief of Police, ensuring a secure environment for all members of our campus."
A graduate of Northeast Mississippi Community College, Jackson holds an associate of arts in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi.
His training includes certification from the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center's Law Enforcement Academy and time instructing the Northeast Mississippi Community College Part-Time Reserve Law Enforcement Academy.
In addition to his formal education, Jackson has completed Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) program.
"Jason exemplifies what our campus climate is all about," said Northeast vice president of student services Ray Scott. "We're looking forward to having him lead our continuous efforts to discover and implement new and innovative ways to keep our officers in the best position to keep our students, faculty, staff and visitors, as well as themselves, safe during their time on campus."
Jackson, who assumed his new position July 1, is a certified instructor in both ALERRT and CRASE, as well as a firearms instructor, active shooting instructor, Glock Armorer, tactical medic instructor, Taser instructor, and state-certified law enforcement investigator.
Jackson played a key role in organizing the active shooter drills on the Northeast campus in July 2023, which involved multiple local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
Beyond his professional duties, Jackson takes part in Read Across America Week, where he takes time to go and read to area school children.
A graduate of East Union Attendance Center, Jackson excelled in baseball, a skill he will display as the campus police department's representative in the inaugural Chief Anthony Anderson Law Enforcement vs. Fire All-Star Memorial Softball game, sponsored by the Project Domino Effect on Saturday, October 19 at the Northeast Baseball/Softball Complex.
Jackson is married to Olivia Crowe of Booneville, a former Northeast cheerleader.
--NEMCC--
Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.
For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.
Media Attachments
Northeast Mississippi Community College police officer Jason Jackson instructs other Northeast police officers during a Taser training seminar on May 17 in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union. Jackson has been chosen to be William Anthony Anderson’s permanent replacement as chief of campus police at the college. Interim chief of campus police Melissa Pearson has decided to pursue other personal interests and return to her role as assistant chief of campus police. Jackson becomes just the sixth person to lead the department since its incorporation in the early 2000s.
Northeast Mississippi Community College police officer Jason Jackson (left) talks with a Northeast student in the Haney Union. Jackson has been chosen to be William Anthony Anderson’s permanent replacement as chief of campus police at the college. Interim chief of campus police Melissa Pearson has decided to pursue other personal interests and return to her role as assistant chief of campus police. Jackson becomes just the sixth person to lead the department since its incorporation in the early 2000s.
Northeast Mississippi Community College police officer Jason Jackson (center) helps a graduate with their tassel during a May 2023 commencement exercise. Jackson has been chosen to be William Anthony Anderson’s permanent replacement as chief of campus police at the college. Interim chief of campus police Melissa Pearson has decided to pursue other personal interests and return to her role as assistant chief of campus police. Jackson becomes just the sixth person to lead the department since its incorporation in the early 2000s.
Northeast Mississippi Community College police officer Jason Jackson (right) listens to the college’s head athletic trainer Ziggy Marro during a memorial service for former Northeast chief of campus police William Anthony Anderson on March 10 in the Bonner Arnold Coliseum. Jackson has been chosen to be Anderson’s permanent replacement as chief of campus police at the college. Interim chief of campus police Melissa Pearson has decided to pursue other personal interests and return to her role as assistant chief of campus police. Jackson becomes just the sixth person to lead the department since its incorporation in the early 2000s.
Northeast Mississippi Community College police officer Jason Jackson exhibits proper Taser usage during a Taser training seminar on May 17 in the Claude Wright Room of the Haney Union. Jackson has been chosen to be William Anthony Anderson’s permanent replacement as chief of campus police at the college. Interim chief of campus police Melissa Pearson has decided to pursue other personal interests and return to her role as assistant chief of campus police. Jackson becomes just the sixth person to lead the department since its incorporation in the early 2000s.
Individual portrait of new Northeast Mississippi Community College chief of campus police Jason Jackson