City to launch Operation Clean Sweep

Holly Springs Mayor Sharon Gipson held a mid-afternoon press conference Friday to announce a campaign to make the city safe again.

In the following two weeks, there have been three drive-by shootings on South Chesterman Street, with the third drive-by sending one of the shooters to the Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn., and another under arrest in the incident.

“We know the community has a lot of concern regarding the recent shootings in our beautiful City of Holly Springs,” Gipson said. “Safety for our community is the number one priority of the City of Holly Springs and Marshall County.”

Gipson, chief of police Grant Glover and assistant chief Darryl Bowens are all born and educated in the city and the wellbeing of their home community is of the foremost concern to them, she said.

“We are taking these incidents very seriously...to provide utmost safety pertaining to violent crimes, especially.”

Glover also spoke. “I am from this city, and I am concerned about the safety of the community,” he said, “the number of shootings on South Chesterman Street the last two weeks. We are actively seeking other individuals involved. Please help us. We need the help of the community. If you see something, say something.” Operation Clean Sweep will focus on individuals who commit property crimes or violent crimes and drug pushers, Glover said. “Holly Springs will be working with local law enforcement, state law enforcement, and federal agencies to investigate these crimes,” the chief said. In coming weeks, the city will be seeking persons who have outstanding warrants involving any violent crime, said Det. Tranecia Walker. “Citizens, we need your help,” Walker said. “Understand, when you come to us to let us know something, we have to protect you as well.”

Gipson reviewed actions the city has taken to reduce crime:

• increasing the number of SkyCop cameras in high crime areas.

• hiring additional officers.

• instituting a curfew ordinance to protect youth.

• purchase of new patrol cars.

• equipping officers with body cameras.

• increasing officer training.

• setting bonds to fit the crime.

• increasing patrolling of the South Chesterman Street area, including foot patrols.

• increasing activities for youth in the Parks and Recreation department.

Gipson said the city is using a team approach in coordinating the efforts of local agencies with state and federal agencies.

“We want you to know you can trust us. You can trust the City of Holly Springs,” the mayor said.

“We will use every tool we have. We want you to know you are safe and we are working hard for you,” Gipson said.

Glover said 911 dispatch will be notified anytime officers are in the South Chesterman Street area for a quick response if more law enforcement is needed.

Gipson said an increased effort to reach the youth and their parents through the school system is being made through the active-shooter program.

“We have to make sure we do everything we can to protect our children and senior citizens,” the mayor said. “We want to make sure visitors are safe when they come here. We are holding ourselves to the highest standards. The community has to be involved to report things to us.

“It may be this person's family member, but next time it could be mine or yours,” the mayor said. “We are going to be visible and find out who is committing crimes. Nothing can take the place of community involvement.

“We still have to have witnesses who see things to come forward. Trust us so we can help you. We've got to make this city safe again.”

These following numbers can be used to contact the Holly Springs Police Department:

662-252-2122

662-252-2125

662-252-1992

In other emergencies, call 911 to request law enforcement help or call the Marshall County Sheriff's Department at 662-252-1311.