JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Less than one month into the new year, eight people have been killed in Jackson.

According to the Jackson Police Department (JPD), the city saw the same number of homicides at this time last year. On Wednesday, January 24, four people were killed.

During their weekly public safety meeting, Jackson leaders addressed issues, discusses tracking data and shared solutions on how to create a safer city.

Demetris Balfour, who is a mother of four, said she prays for the safety of her loved ones daily.

“It’s scary. It is scary everywhere you go. And he said that you can’t, you know, enjoy yourself or enjoy your family time because you know, you got a lot of crazy things going on. So, it’s really not safe to go anywhere, you know, and so that this crazy that people just have to sit up in their homes because, you know, they’re scared to go somewhere. It also hurts me as a mother because I have four children, two girls and two boys. I pray for their safety every day,” she said.

Despite the violent crime, one mother said she feels safe, but she said more must be done as a community.

“I raise my children in Jackson, I would love for my children to live in Jackson, and to love Jackson the way I love Jackson. But it can’t be scary. So, I don’t blame people who leave. I don’t blame people that have given Jackson a bad rap. But it’s not really fair because actually most people that live in Jackson are just trying to make a living. All our people aren’t bad, but it is a sad thing,” said Saeeda Wansley.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said he and his team are taking strategic, preventative measures so no family has to experience such tragedy.