Memphis, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Memphis City Council is calling on Governor Bill Lee to stop the planned deployment of National Guard troops in light of decreasing crime rates. Despite a reported 17.4% drop in violent crime and a 22% decline in major property crime, skepticism surrounds the accuracy of these statistics. The council’s resolution also empowers legal action if necessary, as officials argue that military presence may not be the best strategy for public safety. Discussions continue amid significant staffing shortages within the Memphis Police Department.
Memphis City Council is urging Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to halt the planned deployment of National Guard troops to the city amid emerging concerns regarding crime statistics. Council member Jerri Green is sponsoring a resolution that not only calls for the suspension of the deployment but also authorizes the councilโs attorney to pursue legal action if necessary.
This resolution comes in light of a previously announced deployment of National Guard by Governor Lee and President Donald Trump. However, recent data from the Memphis Police Department and the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission indicate a significant decline in crime rates, showing a 17.4% drop in violent crime and a 22% decline in major property crime.
Despite these positive statistics, some Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism regarding their accuracy. This development raises questions about the decision to deploy National Guard troops, which many believe is not representative of the need for bipartisan collaboration in addressing crime effectively.
In an earlier statement in late August, Governor Lee had indicated that he did not have plans to deploy the National Guard to Memphis, largely attributing the reduced crime rates as a reason to reconsider such measures. However, following President Trumpโs announcement, Governor Lee demonstrated support for the federal intervention aimed at Memphis.
The potential deployment has faced criticism from local officials, such as Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, who argues that the presence of National Guard troops could overlook more effective solutions for public safety. Mulroy advocates for deploying federal law enforcement agents that are specifically trained in civilian law enforcement, citing this as a more preferable approach than military involvement in crime-related issues.
There are also concerns about the implications the National Guard’s deployment may have on law enforcement duties, particularly given the stipulations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which regulates military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The anticipated deployment is projected to incur costs amounting to millions of dollars, which Mulroy argues could be better allocated towards developing long-term public safety strategies.
Law enforcement leaders from neighboring regions, including Arkansas and Mississippi, are preparing for possible increases in crime stemming from Memphis, given the relocation of Crime trends. Meanwhile, Senator Marsha Blackburn noted that the National Guard would assist the Memphis Police Department with tasks such as documentation and traffic management.
Currently, the Memphis Police Department is grappling with significant understaffing issues, reporting approximately 800 officer vacancies. Discussions regarding the timeline for the National Guard’s arrival in Memphis are ongoing, raising further anticipation and debate within the community.
FAQ
What resolution did the Memphis City Council pass regarding the National Guard deployment?
The Memphis City Council voted on a resolution urging Governor Bill Lee to stop the planned deployment of National Guard troops and authorized the councilโs attorney to take legal action if necessary.
What do recent crime statistics from Memphis indicate?
Crime statistics from the Memphis Police Department and the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission indicate a 17.4% drop in violent crime and a 22% decline in major property crime.
What concerns have been raised about the accuracy of these crime statistics?
Some Republican lawmakers are questioning the accuracy of the crime statistics reported, contributing to discussions about the appropriateness of deploying the National Guard.
What is the position of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy on the National Guard’s deployment?
District Attorney Steve Mulroy prefers utilizing federal law enforcement agents trained in civilian law enforcement rather than military troops for addressing crime, arguing that the deployment of the National Guard may not be the best solution for public safety.
What are the financial implications of the National Guard deployment?
The deployment of the National Guard is expected to cost millions of dollars, which Mulroy believes could be better spent on long-term public safety strategies.
How many officer vacancies exist in the Memphis Police Department?
The Memphis Police Department is currently experiencing approximately 800 officer vacancies.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| City Council Action | Resolution to halt National Guard deployment |
| Crime Statistics | 17.4% drop in violent crime; 22% decline in major property crime |
| Law Enforcement Staffing | 800 officer vacancies in Memphis Police Department |
| Deployment Concerns | Debate on the appropriateness and cost of deploying National Guard |
| Alternatives to Deployment | Preferable use of trained federal law enforcement agents |
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: National Guard Deployment in Memphis
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- Tennessee Lookout: National Guard Presence in Memphis
- Google Search: National Guard Memphis
- Action News 5: Opposition to National Guard Deployment in Memphis
- Google Scholar: Memphis Crime Statistics
- WREG: Mid-South Counties Prepare for National Guard Deployment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Fox 13 Memphis: Shelby County Commissioners Discuss National Guard Arrival
- Google News: Memphis Public Safety
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
