Jackson Appoints New Police Chief After Nationwide Search

Dr. RaShall M. Brackney, a veteran law enforcement leader, will take over the Jackson Police Department if confirmed by the City Council.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Mayor John Horhn announced that he will appoint Dr. RaShall M. Brackney as the next chief of the Jackson Police Department following a national search. Brackney, who has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, previously served as police chief in Charlottesville, Virginia and at George Washington University. The appointment must be confirmed by the Jackson City Council.

Why it matters

Jackson's police department has faced staffing shortages and rising concerns about violent crime, so the city is hoping Brackney's experience will help guide long-term reforms and strengthen the relationship between the police and the community.

The details

Brackney is known nationally for her work on harm reduction, procedural justice and improving police-community relationships. She has also served as a professor and visiting scholar focusing on police legitimacy and transparency. Brackney retired from the Pittsburgh Police Department after rising through the ranks to oversee major crimes, operations, special operations and crime analysis. She later led the George Washington University Police Department and became the first Black woman to serve as police chief in Charlottesville, where she was tasked with rebuilding community trust and advancing reforms.

  • Mayor John Horhn announced Brackney's appointment on February 6, 2026.
  • Brackney is expected to arrive in Jackson the week of February 16, 2026 to begin meeting with officers, council members and community leaders.

The players

John Horhn

The mayor of Jackson who announced Brackney's appointment.

Dr. RaShall M. Brackney

A veteran law enforcement leader with over 30 years of experience who was appointed as the next chief of the Jackson Police Department.

Jackson City Council

The city council that must confirm Brackney's appointment as police chief.

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What they’re saying

“From the start of this search, our focus has been finding the right leader to build trust, reduce crime, and strengthen the partnership between our officers and the residents they serve. Dr. RaShall Brackney has spent her career working at the intersection of public safety and community trust.”

— John Horhn, Mayor

“I'm honored by the opportunity to serve the people of Jackson and to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Jackson Police Department. I've always believed that you can't have real public safety without strong community trust.”

— Dr. RaShall M. Brackney

What’s next

If confirmed by the Jackson City Council, Brackney will take over leadership of the Jackson Police Department.

The takeaway

Brackney's appointment as police chief in Jackson comes at a critical time, as the city's police department has faced staffing shortages and rising concerns about violent crime. Her extensive experience in law enforcement, focus on community trust and policing reforms, and reputation as a national leader in her field make her well-suited to guide the department through long-term changes.