Memphis Takes Major Steps to Combat Crime with New Initiative
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ If youโve been keeping up with the news around our city, you know that crime has been a hot topic lately. In response, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) has decided to step up their game with a fresh strategy targeting some of the most wanted individuals. Thatโs right, the Organized Crime Fugitive Task Force is hitting the streets hard, and theyโre on a mission to track down those who keep our community in turmoil.
The Dream Team: Organized Crime Unit Steps Up
This new task force, officially known as the OCU Fugitive Unit, is composed of 29 dedicated officers who are ready to bring some serious change to the Bluff City. According to Colonel Frank Winston, this initiative was sparked by a notable trend the police have been observing. Many individuals they encounter during various investigations often have outstanding warrants. Sounds like a tangled web, right?
To tackle this issue head-on, the OCU Fugitive Unit plans to focus on different areas each week, zeroing in on suspects with warrants in those specific precincts. Theyโre not just looking for any criminals, either. The list ranges from those wanted for second-degree murder to elder abuse and even vandalism. One name thatโs caught the publicโs eye is Quincy Turner, a 41-year-old man wanted for aggravated robbery. This guy has quite the rap sheet, having been arrested 44 times since 1993! At this point, heโs sitting in jail with a hefty bond of $400,000.
Strengthening Connections: Attorneys on the Case
Now, whatโs even more interesting about this initiative? The team doesnโt just include police officers; theyโre also working closely with an attorney named Forrest Edwards, who serves as the Investigative Counsel for the MPD. Edwards brings a wealth of experience, as he previously worked as a prosecutor in the Shelby County District Attorneyโs Office. His role is to act as a bridge between the MPD and the DAโs office, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
โWhat that means is we are working with investigators not only to build probable cause and build a case to present in court, but weโre now thinking through how each piece of evidence is going to be presented in court,โ Edwards explained. This proactive approach means theyโre not just throwing together cases haphazardly; theyโre building them to be as solid as a rock!
Communication is Key!
One of the most significant aspects of Edwards’ position is enhancing communication. โWeโre working as one cohesive unit to expeditiously get these dangerous offenders in custody and communicate that information to the district attorneyโs office,โ Edwards mentioned. Itโs all about ensuring that thereโs a **clear line of communication**, which is essential for tackling serious crimes.
The brains behind this whole operation? None other than Police Chief CJ Davis, who recognized the need for investigators to strengthen their game. With everything coming together, the hope is to disrupt the ongoing cycle of crime and hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Wrapping Up
As Memphis takes these steps to bring the heat on crime, community members can be optimistic about the future. With dedicated officers and strategic communication, thereโs a sense of hope. So, if you see increased police activity in your neighborhood, it might just be the OCU Fugitive Unit doing their job!
In the end, the safety of our city is paramount, and with these new measures, it appears that Memphis is stepping up its fight against crime. Hereโs to a safer Bluff City!
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.
