"Send me back to Baltimore! I don't give a damn!" Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson Responds to Criticism Over Rising Crime During Town Hall at First Baptist Church

Last night, Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson faced significant criticism during a town hall meeting at First Baptist Church, where he addressed concerns about rising crime rates and the effectiveness of current community policing efforts.

Arranged by Ward 2 Alderwoman Karma O'Neil, the meeting was held amid growing public safety concerns subsequent to a number of recent fatal shootings in the area. Chief Jackson's reaction to criticism of his crime reduction strategies—deemed undefined and insufficient by some—surprised many of the attendees.

Following Alderwoman O'Neil's call for residents and community leaders to share their concerns, Chief Jackson responded to one speaker with an unexpected statement, saying, "Send me back to Baltimore! I don't give a damn!" Jackson was appointed Annapolis' Chief of Police in July of 2019. Baltimore City Police confirmed that Jackson was employed by their agency from March 1983 until he retired in June 2004. 

Jackson followed up by defending the police department against concerns stated by Terri Tanner, a Ward 2 resident, who advocated for real, common-sense crime reduction plans, not just unfulfilled promises.

Speaking with Report Annapolis News, Ms. Tanner expressed her disappointment over Jackson's harsh response, stating, "He was out of line. He owes this entire city a public apology for how he acted and spoke tonight inside First Baptist."

It is unclear if Chief Jackson will issue an apology.

Deputy Police Chief Stanley Brandford and Mayor Gavin Buckley also attended the meeting.

According to the police department, detectives are actively investigating a homicide that occurred on the 100 block of Clay Street on March 19, 2025, at approximately 7:40 a.m.  The deceased was identified as John Simms, Jr., 36, of Annapolis. 

During the shooting, a juvenile was also shot and was taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore with non-life threatening injuries.  

Since the shooting, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Roscoe Jerome Jones, of Oxon Hill, charging him with the murder of John Simms Jr and the assault of the juvenile victim. Authorities are reportedly working with U.S. Marshals to secure an arrest. 

The Annapolis Police Department responded to a shooting report at 101 Holeclaw Street on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at approximately 7:56 pm. Upon arrival, they found Kenneth Gray, Jr., with gunshot wounds. The Annapolis Fire Department pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. An police department spokesperson was recently unable to provide any specific updates on the investigation. 

Alderwoman O'Neil stated that tonight's meeting was the first of several to be held, though some audience members were skeptical. One attendee commented, "Yea right, we shall see. Just more promises made that they don't intend on keeping."

The date for the next meeting is set for April 22.