MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The push to reform law enforcement in Shelby County apparently has lost steam. The county commission Monday rejected an ordinance that would have mandated that the sheriff’s office decertify deputies who use excessive force. The ordinance also would have required the sheriff’s department to keep a record of officers who have been fired elsewhere for abuse. Still to be decided is whether the sheriff must get commission approval before buying surplus military equipment, which has been a source of controversy in other jurisdictions.
Bottom line, the commission’s effort to make a strong statement on police reform is a bust. It also was a significant loss for commissioner Tami Sawyer, who has been outspoken in her beliefs, some of them justified, that law enforcement runs roughshod over citizens. The problem was some of Sawyer’s proposals went too far. For example, deputies should have the option to use chemical agents – such pepper spray and even tear gas – as a last resort to quell a disturbance, whether it’s in the jail or on the streets…
The fact is, I believe reform measures are much more of an issue with Memphis police. A reimaging policing committee appointed by Mayor Jim Strickland in September should be close to making recommendations aimed at improving police and community relations.
So even though the commission could get nothing done, police reform is still alive and well in Memphis. And that’s my point of view.