By Othor Cain,
Contributing Writer,
The Jackson City Council voted 6–1 to confirm RaShall Brackney as the City’s new police chief, ushering in a new era of leadership for the Jackson Police Department (JPD). Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote cast the lone dissenting vote.
Brackney, who most recently served as police chief in Charlottesville, Virginia, will officially begin her role April 1. Her confirmation comes at a critical time for the capital city, as the department works to rebuild morale, address staffing shortages and rein in mounting overtime costs.
During the confirmation process, several council members raised questions about Brackney’s proposed salary and leadership approach.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay noted the City’s current budgeted salary cap of $130,000 for the police chief position and highlighted the process to get the position to Mayor John Horhn’s suggested salary of $150,000. Under the advisement from City Attorney Drew Martin, the Council voted to confirm her at the current budgeted amount. Any increase will require a future vote by the Council.
Council President Brian Grizzell, who represents Ward 4, pressed Brackney on her ability to unify the department and the broader community, referencing her previous tenure in Virginia. Brackney acknowledged the challenges she faced in Charlottesville and emphasized lessons learned about collaboration, transparency and trust-building.
In previously public interviews, much like during the confirmation hearing, Brackney emphasized her commitment to community/relational policing, data-driven strategies and strengthening community partnerships. She also underscored the importance of officer wellness and accountability, two areas she says are essential to rebuilding public confidence and internal morale.
Strong Educational Foundation
Brackney brings a distinguished academic background to the role.
She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy, along with graduate degrees in criminal justice and leadership studies. Her academic credentials complement more than two decades of law enforcement experience, including service with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, where she rose through the ranks before becoming chief in Charlottesville.
Her educational achievements have often shaped her approach to modern policing, blending research-based practices with community centered engagement strategies.
Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley leaned into Brackney’s strong educational background and suggested he was looking forward to her implementing some of those tools within JPD.
Brackney will assume leadership of JPD at a time when the department faces significant operational and financial challenges. Among the most pressing issues is an excessive overtime burden that has strained the City’s budget. Council members noted that managing overtime spending will be a key priority moving forward.
Equally urgent is restoring morale within the ranks. Like many departments nationwide, JPD has faced recruitment and retention difficulties. Brackney has indicated that investing in officers through training, leadership development and improved communication, will be central to her strategy.
Grizzell stressed the importance of unity, expressing hope that Brackney can bridge divides within the department and across the community. Brackney responded by reaffirming her commitment to listening, engaging stakeholders and building trust both inside and outside the agency.
A New Chapter for Jackson
Mayor John Horhn expressed his full confidence in Brackney’s ability to lead the department forward. “We searched high and low for someone available,” Horhn said. “With full support from the search committee, we believe Dr. Brackney is our best choice.” With the Council’s confirmation secured, attention now turns to implementation and when the Council will revisit her salary in a future vote.
Brackney steps into one of the most visible and demanding roles in city government. Her success will hinge on balancing fiscal responsibility with public safety priorities, while restoring confidence in a department that sits at the heart of Jackson’s future.
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