News Summary
The Tennessee Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that requires the City of Memphis to comply with an arbitration decision affecting the Memphis Police Association. This ruling could lead to demotions within the Memphis Police Department as it found that the city violated its agreement by improperly creating the rank of ‘second lieutenant.’ The ongoing legal conflict highlights tensions between city officials and the police union regarding promotional practices.
Memphis—The Tennessee Court of Appeals has denied the City of Memphis’ request for an emergency stay in a significant legal dispute with the Memphis Police Association (MPA). This ruling opens the door for potential demotions within the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as the court upheld an arbitration award that concluded the city violated its agreement with the MPA.
On July 7, 2025, the court ruled against the city’s appeal, which sought to delay compliance with the arbitration decision while they sought further legal recourse. The arbitration ruling, made by Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Damita Dandridge, requires city officials to enforce the decision that determined the MPD improperly established a new rank of “second lieutenant,” reportedly complicating existing promotional pathways for officers.
The judge’s prior ruling prevented city officials from postponing the verdict during their appeal. The MPA’s legal team warned that if city leadership fails to comply with the arbitration decision, they may seek contempt of court charges against the city.
The arbitration ruling from March 9, 2024, specifically found issues with the requirements for the second lieutenant position. Officers promoted to this rank faced less stringent criteria, with eligibility requiring only five years of service and no prior experience as a sergeant. It further omitted officers who had faced discipline within the previous two years. According to MPA leaders, these changes negatively impacted the promotional rights of police officers.
Following the arbitration decision, MPD communications indicated that potential demotions could extend beyond newly created second lieutenants, potentially affecting first lieutenants promoted since 2023. Memphis Chief Legal Officer Tannera Gibson acknowledged that it may be necessary to demote first lieutenants in light of these legal proceedings.
Despite the legal challenges, Mayor Paul Young has expressed his intent, during a meeting with officers, to comply with the arbitration ruling and restore proper promotional processes within the department. However, as of now, the MPA and the city have not reached an agreement on how to move forward, and the city’s appeal process is still ongoing.
This legal dispute roots back to ongoing tensions between city officials and the police union regarding promotional practices and labor agreements. The MPA contends that the city has not honored its Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes guidelines for police promotions and ranks.
The broad ramifications of this dispute could significantly alter the internal structure of the MPD, affecting not just those in the second lieutenant role but also creating uncertainty among first lieutenants and other ranks. As the legal proceedings continue, the MPA has reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of its members and holds city officials accountable for adhering to the agreed-upon terms.
With the court’s denial of the city’s stay and the pressing need for compliance with the arbitration ruling, officials and officers alike await the next steps in this evolving legal landscape. The MPA remains vigilant, prepared to take further legal action if the city does not comply with the outlined requirements.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Memphis Police Department
- Daily Post Athenian
- Google Search: Memphis Police Association
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Scholar: Memphis Police dispute
- Local Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis police department
- Daily Memphian
- Google News: Memphis Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF 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 area—with 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.
