JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Leaders with police departments and sheriff’s offices across Mississippi met in Jackson to discuss crime prevention strategies and public safety efforts. The summit was held at the Jackson Convention Complex on Thursday.

“First of all, I’m so excited to have my brothers and sisters here in law enforcement from across the state of Mississippi. Whenever you can galvanize a law enforcement community to come to Jackson, you’ve accomplished a lot,” said Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade.

The event provided agencies an opportunity to share information, discuss emerging threats and collaborate on ways to reduce violence. Major Joseph Dawson, with the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, said it’s important for agencies to come together to better their communities.

“We can all get on the same page together and operate on the same front. We can be unified in our efforts, and the public will see that in what we do on a day to day basis,” Dawson said.

Attendees also focused on new policing techniques, sharing their efforts and improving communication between departments.

“By working together and learning from other people what works in different areas and by sharing what we do, you know. Community policing is so important right now, and especially with all the unrest, it’s important for us to come up with ways that we can reach out to the community and try to avoid some hostilities and better serve our public,” said Tunica Police Chief Ronald Militana.