MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We have finally heard directly from Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings – who has completed a two-week self-quarantine after a trip to Ghana. And we are glad to know that he is fine – with no complications related to the coronavirus.
Rallings was part of the Memphis in May delegation that visited the West African country in early March. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris also took the trip but returned early to deal with the county’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Rallings told The Daily Memphian the police department never missed a beat during his absence. He was in regular contact with his command staff – and he has no regrets for taking the trip – which was planned months in advance.
I don’t quarrel with the director’s decision. I’m sure it was an honor for him to have the opportunity to visit Africa. But I do have a problem with the lack of transparency from police officials about his status and whereabouts. The department was reluctant to even acknowledge that Rallings had been on the trip, and would not confirm that he was in self-quarantine. The only official word was that Rallings was taking personal time.
That was – and is - unacceptable. Rallings is arguably the highest ranking non-elected public official in Memphis. And the public had a right to know about his status. Again, we’re glad Rallings is OK. But he’s not running a secret police. And that’s my point of view.