MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For Keith Leachman in Orange Mound, the crime and bloodshed in Memphis is now way beyond its breaking point.
“It’s troubling, Leachman, founder of Stop the Killing Cut the Beef CD said. "We’re in a crisis state in this city and around the country."
According to Memphis Police homicides and auto thefts are major drivers of crime.
There have been 352 homicides and over 14,000 stolen cars this year alone and MPD says repeat offenders and those younger than 18 are key players in the city's crime epidemic. MPD says 20% of all those charged were charged with other crimes previously.
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis didn't answer reporters' questions after her presentation to the Memphis City Council on Tuesday.
The department told City Council during its end-of-year crime plan update that it’s increasing patrols during the holiday season. The department will be focusing manpower at three different precincts MPD's Ridgeway Station, Appling Farm, and North Main Station near the entertainment district.
Police said each area will have more officers visible and some areas will have plained clothes officers and decoy cars present.
But Leachman and others in the community say more long-term resources are needed like community watchdog groups, more outreach program funding, and more mental health social services.
“Play your part or I will knock on your door," Leachman said. "I’m already calling y’all phone. I will be at every city council meeting, every county commissioner meeting.”
“They going to gangs and going and destroying things and running through our city rapid because they feel no one cares about them," Barbara Love, founder of the Love Foundation, said. "So we want to tap into counselors."