JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson police are ramping up their forces as December marks one of the busiest months in the capital city.

The Jackson Police Department (JPD) held their final Real Time Command Meeting of the year. They’re focusing on holiday safety for residents, monitoring a jam-packed weekend in the capital city and making sure they continue to make progress with crime fighting.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said the department will be on full alert for this upcoming weekend.

“Everyone will be out working this weekend. We have teams one, two and three, and they’re not going to be overlapping at the same location. They all have their own duties and responsibilities. Safe Shop, the city parade downtown and also the SWAC championship. We have to make sure we cover these events,” he said.

Wade wants people to be able to shop without having to look over their shoulder.

“For the people who choose to spend their money here in the City of Jackson, we want them to feel safe. But more importantly, we want them to actually be safe. We want them to actually be safe as they shop here in the City of Jackson. Our Safe Shop initiative started Friday, and they will go throughout the holiday season,” the police chief said.

Wade hopes to add 10 more officers to the ranks of JPD at the start of the new year.