Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade is retiring after nearly 30 years on the force, as announced by Mayor John Horhn on Tuesday.
“Chief Wade leaves an indelible legacy of integrity, commitment, and visionary leadership,” Horhn stated. “The citizens of Jackson are safer, and our police department is stronger because of his vision and service. On behalf of our city, I wish Chief Wade the very best as he enters his well-earned retirement.”
Horhn further reported that Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones will hold Wade’s post in the interim as a nationwide search is conducted to fill the position permanently. Former U.S. Marshal George White and former Mississippi Highway Patrol Chief Col. Charles Haynes will lead the search, which is expected to last no longer than two months. Jones confirmed on social media that he is not seeking the job, and that his interim service will not conflict with his duties as sheriff.
Statement from Hinds County Sheriff Tyree D. Jones
Accepting the Role of Interim Chief of Police, Jackson Police Department
I am honored to accept the role of Interim Chief of Police for the Jackson Police Department during this important transitional period. I do so with…
— TyreeJonesSheriff (@TyreeSheriff) August 26, 2025
“I am grateful to Sheriff Tyree Jones for his willingness to step into this interim role,” Horhn said. “Sheriff Jones brings respected experience to this assignment. His commitment will help guide our city during the task force search and address the critical public safety issues facing Jackson.”
Wade took the reins as the top cop of Mississippi’s capital city in 2023 when he was appointed to the post by former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and was charged with maneuvering the police force through a perilous time when Jackson was marred by its homicide rates.
In Wade’s two years as chief, Jackson began to experience a significant drop in homicides, as the police department’s homicide solvability rate surpassed the 90% benchmark. Wade also collaborated with the state-run Capitol Police force to curb crime and took criminal acts committed by anonymous perpetrators to task with a proposed ski mask that was eventually passed by the city council.
A familiar face across the city, Wade made community outreach one of his priorities as chief to form a better relationship between citizens and law enforcement. From serving as a football referee on Friday nights to hosting community events and youth initiatives, Wade garnered a reputation as a servant to the city and its people.
Now that Wade is stepping away from his duties as chief, Horhn’s newly-created task force will evaluate all aspects of law enforcement challenges in Jackson, including youth criminal activity, drug-related crimes, the needs of the Jackson Police Department, and coordination among the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Capitol Police.
“I am grateful that Marshall White and Colonel Haynes have agreed to lead this important effort. Their breadth of experience, commitment to public safety, and deep understanding of law enforcement challenges will ensure the Task Force conducts a rigorous search for our next chief,” Horhn added. “I am confident they will help shape solutions that address the evolving needs of Jackson.”
Horhn’s office announced that further details about the law enforcement task force, the search process, and opportunities for public input will be made available in the near future.
