The Magee Chamber of Commerce hosted a Breakfast Brief with Magee Chief of Police Shane Little Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024 at the Magee Civic Center. Open to the public several chamber members were in attendance along with a few local residents.
The chief began his remarks with the accidental shooting of a young man in Magee on Monday, March 4, 2024 that resulted in his death. He used this as an example to segue into the main topic of discussion being circulation of information about events as they are happening or ongoing investigations. Chief Little explained that the police department will make proper notification when the time is appropriate. “Everybody wants to know. We as a society confuse our wants with our needs,” he said.
He stated the more contact made by phone calls, texts and social media posts it slows down the work flow of his force. “Just know that anytime anything’s going on in this city I’m going to put it out there when it’s the right time to put it out there because I want our narrative out there. … Know we are doing our job. Have faith and have trust in us.”
To help address this issue a municipal app will be available in less than 60 days that will allow for a quicker and more appropriate avenue for the delivery of information, not only from the Magee Police Department but also other city works departments as well. It will notify more quickly and efficiently with appropriate information in a timely fashion. The app also provides current information from the NOAA weather radar and will prove beneficial for residents and businesses alike.
On a side note the chief stated that the antiquated tornado sirens are being updated in an attempt to catch up to the technological advances made. The municipal app will notify in the event of tornadoes as well.
Chief Little stated his officers are making their presence known more heavily by visiting local businesses. He wants to focus on the positive that’s occurring in Magee rather than the negative. He especially pushed that if anyone has a question he and his officers welcome the opportunity to answer. “Stop an officer and ask him.”
Additionally Chief Little stated he would like to see cameras in as many businesses as possible. There are several cameras located throughout Magee but he is making strides to add more; it is a costly endeavor.
Lastly, the chief stated that from this point forward there will be a post on grand jury findings each time the grand jury meets. He also stated he will do his best to follow up with the results after indictments.
Following a brief Q&A session the meeting ended.
