In a release late Friday afternoon, the Vicksburg Police Department announced it was making some operational changes to prepare for the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

“Policing is a public service and is centered around direct interaction with members of the public. I want to emphasize we are not responding to an increase in crime within the city,” Chief Milton Moore stated in the release. “Our objective is to have more officers in place to help during this crisis while also keeping our first responders safe.”

As part of that preparation, the Vicksburg Police Department is implementing the temporary rearrangement of duty shifts in the patrol division in an effort to put more officers per watch and provide better coverage within the city. Also, all vacations have been canceled for the next six weeks. 

“Our intention to make sure that any challenges that arise in our neighborhoods and businesses are dealt with. We want people to feel safe and secure in our city,” Moore said. “These changes are necessary for the protection of life and property during this crisis.”