JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson nightclubs must hire security guards trained by the Jackson Police Department (JPD).

The Jackson City Council voted unanimously to approve the new ordinance on March 25. The ordinance requires nightclubs open past 10:00 p.m. to have security guards complete an eight-hour orientation from JPD.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said the course is intense and focused on firearm safety, de-escalation and use-of-force training.

“We’re going to take them down to the pistol range. You know, we’re going to challenge them about our use of force. You know what use of force looks like? A lot of time, we think it’s grabbing somebody punches somebody. No, it’s not. You know, we teach soft hand tactics, hard hand tactics. We have impact weapons. We have, of course, deadly force. Now, we want to make sure they’re properly trained,” said Wade.

Business owners would have to pay a small fee for the orientation course.