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AG weighs in on previous disputes

By Timothy Woerner | Enterprise-Journal
Posted: 10/10/08 - 12:11:02 pm CDT

The dispute over police supervision between Acting Police Chief Greg Martin and McComb Mayor Zach Patterson is not the first in the state.
In 1990, the state Attorney General’s Office told the mayor of Drew: “While the mayor in a code charter municipality has the authority to observe activities of the police chief and policemen and to report to the board of aldermen on the activities of the department, the mayor does not have the authority to supervise law enforcement by the police chief on a daily basis.”

In 2002, the AG’s office wrote to a Caledonia resident, “The mayor of a code charter municipality has superintending control of all the officers and affairs of the municipality pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. Sec. 21-315(1) but is not a law enforcement officer. The marshal or chief of police is the chief law enforcement officer of a municipality.”

Code charters are uniform charters taken from options available in state code, and have been adopted by most cities in Mississippi.

McComb is under a special charter, whereby state law governs except where the city’s charter specifically overrides.

Patterson has often quoted a Mississippi State Center for Government Training and Technology municipal government guide on how to view the city’s special charter in light of mayoral authority under code charters.
“In reality, all forms of municipal government are ‘code charters’ in that the primary elements of government are defined by the Mississippi Code,” the guide states.


Let us know what you think about this story or topic.



Common Sense to CT wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:17 PM:

" Again, I concur. "

amazed wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:14 PM:

" I repeat Mcomb was messed up long before Patterson got there and you know it and thats it. "

CT wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:04 PM:

" COMMON SENSE- unfortunately the 'foolish things' started the day he was elected. "

To to common sense wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:22 PM:

" I Concur that his actions have been pretty petty and small minded but I was speaking of more long lasting damage. Such as fooling with the American Legion Lease thats been fine since the 1930's and now will be lucky to survive another two years with him in office. The citizens won't stand for that though. "

McComb taxpayer wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:30 PM:

" Maybe the AG can explain to him his specific duties. "

To Common Sense wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:12 PM:

" Going to START doing foolish things. I think when you reprimand a law enforcement officer when he's filling out a report on a tragic situation you've already crossed the foolish line! "

R-E-S-P-E-C-T wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:53 PM:

" Respect is earned in the civilian world. It is earned by treating others with respect. The mayor has not treated anyone in his path with respect since he took office.. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:45 PM:

" In order for this mayor to be the chief law enforcement officer, it means he's taken and passed the test right? Give me a break, Mayor. The police officers respecting your doesn't mean they have to salute you in Wendy's Restaurant. Get off your high horse. Or rather, get out of the wagon while everyone is trying to push. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Patterson is going to start doing some foolish things as his time wains down in retribution. Just you wait and see. "

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