MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Crime in Memphis has dropped significantly in 2024, with total crime in downtown Memphis down by 26.4% and citywide crime falling 13.8%, compared to the same period in 2023, according to a recent presentation by city officials to local business leaders.
Violent crime in downtown Memphis has decreased by nearly 34%, while citywide violent crime is down just over 19%, the city reported. These reductions come as Memphis continues to see crime rates lower than national averages, with total crime in 2024 also down compared to the past five years.
Despite the positive trends, downtown violent crime remains higher than in 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, citywide crime levels in 2024 are nearly identical to 2019 figures.
To build on this progress, the city is rolling out several new safety initiatives. A new downtown command center is under construction near Peabody Place, which will centralize efforts to monitor and address crime in real time.
In addition, the city will add 183 new high-definition surveillance cameras downtown, bringing the total to 429 cameras in the area. These cameras will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify objects, license plates, and other key data points.
“We’re expanding our camera network to enhance public safety,” said Mayor Paul Young. “These AI-powered cameras will cover 550 intersections across the city, with 63 cameras dedicated to downtown Memphis.”
Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis also highlighted recent law enforcement successes, including the execution of over 480 outstanding warrants for violent offenders in the last two months.
“This has made a difference, as many of these individuals were continuing to commit crimes,” Chief Davis said.
The city is also exploring the use of gun-detecting dogs to serve as a deterrent against illegal firearms in downtown areas. These measures are among the initiatives that will be presented to City Council for approval in the coming weeks.