MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police Department’s Chief CJ Davis spoke at one of MPD’s Critical Conversations segments on Wednesday night, alongside Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon and former Memphis Police Officer L.A. Webb.
Despite the high profiles speaking, community turnout was low. Approximately 35 people were in the crowd, including some MPD officers.
However, the low turnout didn’t prevent the audience from asking questions they really wanted help answering.
The segment began with Chief Davis responding to violent crimes being committed by young people. She said major factors playing a role are poverty and overlooked minority communities.
“Some of our kids are brought up in broken families, some of our young people are exposed to substance abuse, domestic violence, community violence in different ways,” Davis said. “And those adverse childhood experiences help to breed an environment that doesn’t give our kids an opportunity to do something else.”
The panel also discussed ways the community can help young people stay on a positive track. Judge Sugarmon bringing up a program that previously worked to immerse officers into their communities.
“They go to church with them, they would show up at graduations, come in at lunchtime and spend time with these kids,” Judge Sugarmon said. “Officers used to - could buy a home in the community and get a discount on their mortgage. We have to get back to programs like that,” Judge Sugarmon said.
From financially assisting local organizations to making sure kids who are getting into trouble are getting the mental health and behavior health services they need.
Both Chief Davis and Judge Sugarmon say the solution to youth crime isn’t solved with just one organization, but instead by the community working together.