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Magee citizen Gaye Magee-Sullivan expresses her feelings concerning handling of the situation on Friday, December 29, 2023 involving Monkenly McNair.
Mrs. Sullivan’s statements are not necessarily the views of MageeNews.com.
By Gaye Sullivan-Magee
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As a tax paying resident of Magee, I’m appalled at the lack of communication from the police department and city government regarding a felony fleeing suspect on the loose in the city limits today, and apparently, still at large. Not only at large, but allegedly armed with an AK-47 as communicated to my neighbors by the mayor. This person was being tracked in the area behind our house without anyone in city law enforcement providing us warning about a dangerous individual and that we should lock up and stay put until further notice. We were working outside and only became aware of the situation after continuous circling of a helicopter and a neighbor who actually went outside and asked an officer parked in front of her house. Otherwise, we would not have known anything.
I can’t believe the total disregard of public safety displayed by the PD on numerous occasions and can’t believe the lack of effort by you, our elected (remember….you represent citizens who are tired of what is going on) city officials, to direct the PD to start communicating. Today’s incident and the lack of communication to citizens directly affected by it is inexcusable.
The city has the capability to text citizens about a variety of things; I signed up for every one, yet, I only received one text about anything, and that was months ago. Why is this capability not being used? Have you ever considered this to be an important communication tool for notifying citizens about a variety of topics and emergencies? Probably not, otherwise it would have been functional and in use today!
Ever thought about using social media on a regular basis as a tool to communicate? Why does the city pay someone (overpay, in my opinion) to manage a Facebook page (not IT as it is listed on the Board meeting agenda) yet there is only an average of one post per month? In case you didn’t know, the Magee Preservation Commission requested access to the city Facebook page to post content regarding the recent grant awarded, as requested by T-Mobile as part of their publicity plan. However, we were unable to get the young man to give us access or post anything on the city Facebook page in order to comply with T-Mobile’s request. Who does this person report to? What is his job description?
This past May I appeared before the Board of Aldermen and Mayor on behalf of Citizens for a Better Magee requesting more communication from the city so that residents can be better informed and, more importantly, for the city to be more transparent. However, here we are, still no communication effort regarding matters of public safety and continuing to violate the Open Meetings Act specific to executive sessions on a regular basis.
In case any of you want to learn more about the role of social media in law enforcement, local government social media and texting, or a recent MS Ethics Commission ruling on Executive Sessions, I’ve included links/pdf to enlighten you on things the city could/should be doing.
Sincerely,
Gaye Magee-Sullivan
906 Lake Circle
Social Media – Law Enforcement
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R47008.pdf
https://leb.fbi.gov/spotlights/social-media-spotlight-communication-as-a-tool-to-fight-violent-crime
https://amuedge.com/why-social-media-plays-an-important-role-in-law-enforcement/
Social Media – Local Government
https://www.governing.com/now/how-social-media-is-elevating-engagement-for-local-government.html
https://www.civicplus.com/blog/ce/the-truth-about-local-government-and-social-media/
Texting – Local Government
Mississippi Ethics Commission Opinion – Executive Sessions
Exactly! We never find out about criminals being on the run until we see it on the news! This is ridiculous. Our families are at risk with sick, evil people running around and not knowing where they are. STEP UP, MAGEE PD. Stop worrying who’s speeding on Hwy. 49 and control the city and keep it safe.
I totally agree. It’s a travesty. And ridiculous because it never changes. Ever. Regardless of the police calls, the city official calls, etc. It all falls on deaf ears sadly.
I’m not sure what the answer is. They ( city officials & PD) have ways to enlighten themselves, but they just never do. I live in a ward where things should be noticed by officials who live IN this ward…& I’m amazed daily at how they ‘just don’t see it’.
Again. Not sure what the solution is or even if there is one.
Magee is in the process of decline. Faster than we can imagine.
The safety of our town is surely at a constant risk.
The esthetics of our town…well. Take a look around.
Nothing is enforced. Ever. Pay $100 fine & you are good to go.
I do not understand.
Sad to see this happen.
But now actually being on lockdown..me talking to my friend in the area he was hiding…she’s telling me police in yards with rifles… how can you let him get away? Why not call in re-enforcements stronger than you?
He should never have gotten out of your reach Magee PD.
It baffles me.
Who is this person writing this trash? What rock do you live under to think someone gives “access” to any type of account just to post something to social media?! You probably need to get your facts together before you go public posting things that you don’t know half about. I can’t wait until the day the crook who started all this mess gets exposed for the snake she is.
Oh, you already know it is a she??