Jackson Police Department holds first 2026 training on use-of-force, de-escalation

The Jackson Police Department said in a Facebook post that its first in-service training of 2026 focused on “Use of Force and De-Escalation.” The department identified Lt. Obie Wells Jr. as the instructor for the session.

According to the department, Lt. Wells is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement who currently serves with the Investigation Services Bureau, SWAT and the Mounted Police Unit. The department said he is a Certified Instructor through Minimum Standards and a Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor.

In-service training is a routine part of police work designed to refresh officers’ skills, update them on policy and help them respond safely to confrontations. Use-of-force and de-escalation have become central topics for many agencies amid continuing public attention to police tactics and accountability.

The department said it takes training seriously and posted the notice on its Facebook page. We will provide more information as it becomes available.