MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The relationship between Memphis police and the communities they serve has been the subject of intense debate recently. That relationship is not as bad as in other cities – such as Atlanta, Minneapolis, and New York – but it’s not all roses either. At least Mayor Jim Strickland and Police Director Mike Rallings seem to be sincerely listening to concerns about over-aggressive policing. And they are vowing to make changes.
Those changes include pushing for more oversight authority for the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board, which includes subpoena power while investigating claims of police abuse. MPD also will end no knock warrants of the kind that led to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police. And Memphis officials have agreed to include community activists in future diversity and sensitivity training for police officers.
All of this, and other concessions, are coming after a series of meetings Strickland had in recent weeks with faith leaders and community activists. They also come after the mayor acknowledged something that most of us have known for decades – that African American residents are in fact treated differently by police than white residents. But the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and others that are just now getting national attention are creating massive societal change. Included on those changes is a demand for police reform.
Listening is good. But real change and accountability are better. And that’s my point of view.