Jackson police chief attends luncheon with Black journalists

Chief Brackney attended the Jackson Association of Black Journalists luncheon at Iron Horse Grill, the Jackson Police Department said in a Facebook post. The department said he spent time sitting and chatting with journalists at the event.

The Jackson Association of Black Journalists is an organization that supports Black journalists and advocates for diversity and representation in newsrooms. Local and regional associations of this kind often host luncheons and panels to connect reporters, editors and community leaders.

Police engagement with news organizations can help build lines of communication between law enforcement and the media, which in turn affects how public safety information is shared with residents. Officials who meet with journalists may seek to improve transparency, explain department priorities or learn about community concerns.

The Jackson Police Department is the primary public safety agency for the city and routinely interacts with local media to provide information to the public. The department did not provide further details in its social media post.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.