JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Jackson Police Department (JPD) is using technology to crack down on crime.

The technology includes the blue light surveillance cameras and license plate readers. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said the technology has played a role in solving 90% of the homicide cases in the capital city this year.

At this point last year, Jackson had 66 homicides. Wade said that number has dropped by 50% this year.

“We have blue light surveillance cameras situated all across the city. That has helped us tremendously in solving murders and solving cases around the City of Jackson,” he said.

According to the police chief, Wade said the technology also helped officers make arrests in the Brookhollow neighborhood shootout that occurred recently.

“To see young men leaned over cars just shooting so lawlessly and recklessly in our community. Our communities should be upset,” Wade said.