JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Jackson Police Department held a swearing in ceremony on Friday for its third group of returning officers. There are now a total of 245 officers on the force.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade named former Gluckstadt Police Chief Wendell Watts as the Assistant Chief of Operations.

Former Deputy Chief Vincent Grizzell was named Assistant Chief of Administration.

“I am excited about naming the first layer of my team because we’re about to step the game up,” said Wade.

The chief also announced the purchase of 28 new patrol vehicles and a base salary of $48,000 a year for officers.

The department also has a citizen self-reporting tool available for Jackson neighbors. The goal of the tool is to reduce calls for service.