The Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) is putting on hold proposed plans to implement new measures concerning how private security companies operate in the River City.

Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones said the department’s recently announced plans to enhance community safety measures through new guidelines for private security was proposed at a July town hall meeting, but will now be reexamined in order to address concerns raised by citizens.

“Our goal was to implement stricter security protocols and ensure that trained security officers were present at specific businesses and events where heightened security is necessary,” Jones said. “This plan was not intended to affect all businesses in the community, but rather those that meet specific criteria and need additional safety measures.”

Jones said that plan would have set up criteria for events that, when met, would have prompted the need for private security. The new plan, she said, was simply meant to give guidelines for companies operating in the River City to meet in order to make sure each private enterprise met the same safety standards. Following questions about the plan, however, Jones said her department is retooling the proposal in order to assuage residents’ concerns.

“During our town hall meetings, we heard many questions and concerns from community members and stakeholders,” she said. “It became clear that while our intentions were to gather input and create a comprehensive plan, there were areas that needed further clarification and improvement. As a result, we have decided to table the security plan for now. We believe it is essential to revisit this proposal with more up-to-date information and greater involvement from the stakeholders it directly impacts. We want to ensure that any measures we put in place are well-informed, legally sound, and effective in enhancing security without imposing unnecessary burdens.”

Jones said the department will go back to the drawing board in order to address the concerns and will present a new plan at a yet-to-be-determined date.

“Our commitment to the safety of our citizens remains unwavering,” she said. “We will continue to work closely with security companies operating in Vicksburg to ensure that they meet high standards of training and professionalism.”

The proposed plan presented at a July 16 meeting by VPD Deputy Chief Troy Kimble included new rules and regulations security companies would need to meet in order to operate in Vicksburg, as well as a ratio of security guards to people that would be required at events, depending on attendance and venue size.

The plans were met with skepticism by a number of residents who said they were concerned the rules would limit their ability to hire the security of their choice.

Jones said any proposed plan is meant to add to the overall safety of the community and not to detract from the choices business owners have to employ security guards of their choice and saw the discrepancy as a problem that needed to be addressed before moving forward with new guidelines.

“Recent events have highlighted the need for better security plans, more thorough information about businesses, and a higher level of training for security personnel,” Jones said. “We are dedicated to creating a safer environment for everyone in Vicksburg. To achieve this, we need your continued input and support. We encourage all stakeholders to participate in this process, share their insights, and help us to develop a security plan that addresses the specific needs of our community.”