MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In 2024, crime has been down all year compared to 2023. New third quarter data showed a decline in robberies, murders and the overall crime rates compared to the third quarter of 2023.
The Memphis Police Department’s interim Police Chief, CJ Davis said the decrease in crime numbers is not by chance.
"The Memphis Police Department's crime strategy is working,” said Davis.
It's a strategy that Davis started working on with her administration over two years ago. Now, the City of Memphis is seeing some progress.
Overall crime has been consistently lower than last year according to Memphis Shelby Crime Commission data.
"What we have done over the last couple of years is to look at every precinct and find out. What is the real problems in each precinct,” said Davis.
In the third quarter, the robbery rate dropped by nearly 22.5%. The murder rate dropped by 11.5%. The overall crime rate dropped by 10.6%.
One thing Davis attributes to this is increased patrols. "It does bother me every time I see a victim of a crime... We had to bring the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) back into our city. We had to ensure that we had support from our federal partners. From the local sheriff's department,” she said.
Even with the extra help and MPD’s 1,997 officers, they’re still working to recruit 200 more through the new "Be the Change" campaign.
"It's really about appealing to people who are just normal, everyday, average people. People who have other skillsets that we need in our police department," said Davis.
Memphian, Lakayshu Burks, agrees that MPD needs more resources, but she would still like to see the department do more, starting with engaging the youth.
"I feel like they could do more. Implement different programs for the kids within the community. Could start there,” said Burks.
Since juvenile crime reached record highs in 2022, youth engagement is a top priority for Davis.
"As a mother, my heart goes out to our children. So, you'll see me in the community and most of the time I gravitate to the children because they're the ones that need hugs. They're the ones that need the love and it makes a big difference,” said Davis.
The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission is also stepping in to help stop youth crime. They are set to host a Juvenile Crime Prevention and Intervention & Bail Reform Forum on Saturday, Nov.16.
It will be at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church on South Parkway East from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.