5. MS - Mayor: Officers accused of assaulting suspect to remain on force

July 28, 2006

Jackson Clarion Ledger

By Chris Joyner chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton said he will not fire three Jackson police officers caught on camera allegedly assaulting a handcuffed suspect.

Officers Tyree Jones, 28, Donald Gater, 42, and Keith Burnett, 40, are accused of hitting Michael Black, 18, following a standoff and foot pursuit in April. The incident was videotaped from WLBT - Channel 3’s helicopter and broadcast.

Melton said he would make a full public statement at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at City Hall, but he said they would remain with the department.

The mayor said the evidence supports firing the officers, but he decided against it “when I look at their tenure and the situation.”

“I’m not going to ruin their careers for a thug,” he said, referring to Black. “Why was he on the street in the first place?”

Contributing to his decision was the service of Burnett, who has been with the department for 15 years and has an “impeccable record,” he said.

Police Chief Shirlene Anderson confirmed last week the officers had been sent termination notices. She said the officers would be working in a “non-enforcement capacity” until they left the department. Melton said he talked to the chief about his decision.

“Ultimately the decision rests with me. I get paid to try to make the right decision,” he said.

Melton said Anderson’s decision to fire the officers was in line with department policy.

“I’m not really overruling the chief,” he said. “I’m overruling the policy.”