City leaders, law enforcement, community members, and technology partners gathered this week at the City Hall as Greenville officially launched Safe City Greenville, a sweeping, citywide public safety initiative that integrates advanced technology with community involvement to prevent crime and improve emergency response.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons described the launch as a “bold step forward” in the city’s long-term commitment to strengthen neighborhoods and protect families.
“Public safety is the foundation of every strong community,” Simmons said. “Safe City Greenville uses the most advanced cutting-edge technology available to help us prevent crime before it happens, solve cases faster, and respond to emergencies with greater precision.”
Safe City Greenville integrates Flock Safety’s network of tools—including license plate readers, audio detection, drones as first responders, mobile security trailers, high-definition PTZ cameras, and connected safety software—into one unified investigative and response system.
Mayor Simmons emphasized that the initiative is both a public safety and economic development strategy, noting that safer communities attract stronger investment and opportunity.
Police Chief: “Every Minute Counts”
Greenville Police Chief Marcus R. Turner praised the City Council and mayor for supporting efforts to equip officers with modern tools needed to respond effectively and safely.
“We have been laced up and booted up for the challenge,” Turner said. “This partnership with Flock Safety will make a real difference in how we prevent and solve crime. Every minute counts in public safety.”
Turner noted that while technology strengthens investigations and response, community participation remains critical.
“Although we have these tools, we still need the help of the community. If you see something, please say something,” he said.
Flock Safety Highlights Transparency, Privacy, and Economic Support
Representing Flock Safety, Paris Labella explained how Greenville’s new system brings all data into a single interface for faster, more accurate officer response.
“Our mission is to help communities solve and prevent crime while respecting privacy and transparency at every step,” Labella said. He stressed that the City of Greenville owns 100% of its data, which is automatically deleted after 30 days unless needed for an investigation.
Labella also announced support for local businesses through Flock’s Thriving Cities Fund.. Up to $100,000 is allocated specifically to Greenville to help established small businesses grow and reinvest in their neighborhoods.
A Regional Approach to Safety
During a question-and-answer session, local media and residents raised issues about manpower shortages, recent violent incidents, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation.
Mayor Simmons reaffirmed that the city is already working with neighboring municipalities and federal partners.
“Safety in Greenville, Leland, Hollandale, Indianola—across the Delta—is not an exception. It is the expectation,” Simmons said. “We want to triangulate resources to create a safer Mississippi Delta.”
Community Camera Program Encourages Public Involvement
City officials also promoted Greenville’s new Community Camera Program, which invites residents, businesses, nonprofits, and churches to voluntarily register or integrate security cameras with the Greenville Police Department.
Registered cameras do not grant police live access but allow officers to request footage when necessary, helping investigators solve cases faster and more effectively.
“When you participate, you are not just a bystander—you are a partner in public safety,” Simmons said.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded, the mayor thanked officers, community partners, and the public for their continued support.
“This initiative is about protecting our children, safeguarding our seniors, supporting our officers, and giving every resident the peace of mind they deserve,” Simmons said. “Greenville’s brightest days are still ahead.”
A detailed demonstration video of how Flock Safety technology works is on the City of Greenville page on Facebook.
