Jackson Mayor Frank Melton on Friday named Malcolm McMillin chief of police, ending two days of speculation about who would be in charge of the state’s largest municipal police force.
McMillin immediately will take control of the 409-member department. McMillin takes over after Melton on Wednesday removed Shirlene Anderson from the post she had held since July 2005 and offered her a job as coordinator of public safety.
Kell Smith, spokesman for Secretary of State Eric Clark, said he could not immediately think of any reason McMillin should not be able to hold both offices simultaneously.
Under state elections law, officials are prohibited from holding two elected offices at the same time, but police chief is an appointed position, he said.
“I don’t know of any election laws that would prevent that.”
McMillin and Melton have known each year for 25 years and have had a sometimes stormy relationship. The two, however, said this morning that each would respect the other’s position.
“I won’t tell him how to be the mayor and he won’t tell me how to be the chief,” McMillin said.
McMillin also said he was going to review the Police Department’s personnel before making any decisions.
Is it possible Melton has finally made a good decision? It does look that way. It'll be interesting to see how this works out. Feel free to comment. Did anyone see this coming?
I don't know anything about this particular situation, but I am familiar with Mr. McMillan as a dedicated and devoted public servant. On that basis I'd say, "Yes, he's doing somethnig right!"
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