County leaders understand the need for dual support when it comes to county and city law enforcement efforts.
But the county board wants deputies to be mindful of when to assist with high-speed chases out of Yazoo City considering two deputy units have been damaged, some totaled, over the last few weeks.
The discussion was first brought to the table during the recent Yazoo County Board of Supervisors meeting when county leaders were provided with a $30,819 quote on a Dodge Durango. The vehicle would be replacing a truck that was totaled after a high-speed chase, involving both deputies and city officers.
“I am going to make a motion that we stay out of chases in Yazoo City,” said Supervisor David Shipp. “I don’t know how the rest of the board feels but, we have already totaled two brand new trucks. Why is the city not chasing them?”
“They were,” replied Chief Deputy Terry Gann. “They were behind us. It was a felony pursuit.”
“We can’t just keep going at this rate,” Shipp continued.
Supervisor Cobie Collins said he believes in the city and county working together.
“But it seems like it is costing us more than the city,” Collins added.
“It has cost us a lot of money,” said Supervisor David Berry. “It has cost us two vehicles over the last month.”
“Two new vehicles,” added Collins.
Gann also said the recent chases have resulted in arrests and the removal of several firearms and narcotics off the streets. But he added that he is mindful of when to send deputies in for assistance.
“It was last Saturday, we got a call about someone running a stop sign with no tag in the city,” Gann said. “I called my guys off it. We are selective about what we respond to.”
