Weekly Update

Friends,

Long before coming to the Mayor’s Office, I recognized that crime would be one of our city’s most challenging issues to solve. It’s a very complex, decades-old problem, and frustratingly, as I have seen first-hand, there is only so much that can be done from City Hall.

As I have said and written many times, the tireless officers of MPD are doing their jobs. They’re arresting those individuals committing crimes, but our broken court system sends them right back through its “Revolving Door” and back to the streets with little to no punishment in most instances.

“There are no trials happening because the DA’s office and Public Defender’s office are striking more plea deals than they ever have before.”  “[T]hose deals carry much lighter sentences than in previous years….” (emphasis added).

These statements are from long time Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft last week. This is absolute verification of what you and I have believed.  Our number one law enforcement challenge with crime is:

During my first term (2016-2019), crime started decreasing as we hired more officers. During the pandemic and nationwide protests, all police departments across the country lost officers and crime increased in all major cities.  But last year (2022), Memphis’ violent crime decreased again, with murders down 17 percent and aggravated assaults down about 7 percent.

However, something changed this year. Violent and property crime are dramatically up, despite overall crime being down throughout the country. 

I have written about the Revolving Door many times before and given you data to support that term. But this is the first time someone within the system has clearly confirmed it and clearly explained why 2023 is so different.

But there is hope.

As I wrote last week, the D.A. has announced a change of course on “those who engage in violence and repeat nonviolent offenses.” I am hopeful that 2024 will be better for lowering criminal behavior in our city.

For a deeper dive, see the comprehensive review of efforts to reduce crime several months ago.

Eight Year Summary: To see a complete list of the work we have accomplished over the last eight years, go here.

65^th AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Best of luck to our Memphis Tigers as they take on the Iowa State Cyclones today in the 65^th AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Looking to get your last-minute tickets or more information about the game, go here.

Enjoy the rest of your day and Go Tigers!!

Yours,