JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson Police Department officers won’t help provide security on the state fairgrounds this year during the annual state fair.
Police Chief Lee Vance said it costs the city about $300,000 in personnel and overtime costs during the annual state fair, which attracts more than 700,000 people during its 11-day run from Oct. 7-18.
The Hinds County sheriff’s office is responsible for security on the fairgrounds, and that will continue. City police normally assist with traffic and security outside the fair gates.
Mayor Tony Yarber said his office has informed fair officials that city officers won’t help provide security this year.
“We don’t have the capacity to do it unless there is some type of payment,” Yarber said.