The Capitol police force is expanding this summer in Jackson. It's the next step approved by state lawmakers to expand the agency's footprint and patrol staff. There are just under 160 officers now, but the plan is to reach 225 Capitol police Officers by the next fiscal year. Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes held a news conference Sunday to discuss the jurisdiction changes to come. Stokes says he hopes it will lead to a reduction in crime. “I just hope that moving forward everybody will understand that in the state of Mississippi, the sheriff is the top cop, so going forward, I'm hoping that the capitol police will consult with the sheriff, consult with the police chief and work in conjunction and not just come out here on their own working independently. If everyone can work in conjunction, I believe it can go well,” Stokes said. At the start of 2024, Gov. Tate Reeves announced Operation Unified which is a collaboration of federal, state, and city police equally cracking down on crime and drug trafficking. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at the Medgar Evers Library to address the Capitol police expansion and other community concerns.