Issues

Public safety is the top issue on the minds of Memphians and the next Mayor must take thoughtful, swift, and decisive action to restore safety in our communities.

Too many families have been impacted by senseless gun violence. Others are in constant fear in the wake of unfathomable criminal acts and reckless driving. There is a sense of constant unease and a deteriorating perception of safety. Memphis is experiencing a spike in violent crime since COVID. Crime in Memphis has always been a major issue. I firmly believe that the solution requires a balanced, dual pronged approach. We must suppress violent crime (robbery, carjacking, murder) by quickly apprehending those responsible and prevent them from reoffending. We must prevent crime through a data driven approach. By tracking trends in petty crime, truancy and suspensions for example, we can identify those likely to be future perpetrators and proactively implement intervention programs.

Here is a partial list of immediate actions.

• Work with the MPD to find common sense efficiencies so officers spend more time patrolling and less time with booking and reporting procedures. 

• Provide the MPD the resources necessary to reduce chaotic driving through increased enforcement. Expanding the use of camera technology with artificial intelligence are examples of the use of technology in this effort.

• Formalize a data sharing partnership with the Truancy Court, Memphis Police Department (MPD), Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center and Shelby County Schools. By doing so, at-risk can be referred to nonprofit intervention programs. 

• Supplement the recent reinstatement of benefits and bonuses for our officers by further motivating, recruiting and retaining MPD officers through additional salary increases, bonuses and positive affirmation.