News Summary
The City of Memphis is appealing to the Tennessee Supreme Court regarding an arbitration ruling that upheld a new rank structure introducing a second lieutenant position in the Memphis Police Department. The city’s appeal challenges the enforcement of this ruling, which could necessitate demotions for recently promoted officers. Amid ongoing legal tensions, the outcome could affect labor relations between the city and police unions, as well as the future of MPD’s promotional practices and public safety initiatives.
Memphis, Tennessee – The City of Memphis is appealing to the Tennessee Supreme Court in an ongoing legal dispute with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) union, the Memphis Police Association (MPA). This case primarily revolves around an arbitration ruling that found the MPD in violation of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) when it instituted a new rank structure that created a second lieutenant position within the department.
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts has confirmed the city’s request for the Supreme Court to hear the case, as it seeks to overturn the arbitration ruling that has been contested in both the Shelby County Circuit Court and Tennessee Court of Appeals. The ongoing legal battle began in the wake of a ruling made by a Shelby County Circuit Court judge that sided with the MPA, allowing the new rank structure to stand.
The arbitration award, dated March 9, 2024, mandated the MPD to revert to its previous rank structure and establish a promotional committee to oversee future promotions. This ruling aims to restore the promotional rights and opportunities that were diminished by the introduction of the second lieutenant rank, which has been under scrutiny since proposals for its creation started in 2018.
The second lieutenant rank allows officers who have five years of service to qualify for promotion, bypassing the previous eligibility criteria which required candidates to have time served as sergeants and excluded those with recent disciplinary actions. The decision to create this new rank raised concerns among city officials about its impact on the departmentโs structure, particularly for the 131 officers who were upgraded to the second lieutenant rank since its introduction in February 2023. The city argues that enforcing the arbitration ruling while the appeal is pending would necessitate demotions for these officers and also for first lieutenants who were promoted subsequently.
Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Damita Dandridge ruled to enforce the arbitration award and denied the City’s request for a stay during the appeal process, a decision that heightened tensions between the city and the police union. Following this ruling, the City of Memphis sought an emergency stay, but the Tennessee Court of Appeals denied this motion on July 7, 2025, thereby enforcing the arbitration ruling.
In a further complication, city attorneys have expressed concerns that restoring the former rank structure could disrupt ongoing public safety initiatives, suggesting that demoting the officers could negatively affect departmental morale and operations. MPA representatives, however, assert that they have neither contested the promotional actions of first lieutenants nor filed grievances regarding the promotion processes involving those officers.
This case is not the only legal challenge facing the City of Memphis in relation to its public safety departments. The city is also currently embroiled in litigation with the Memphis Fire Fighter Association over alleged violations of contract agreements concerning salary changes.
The outcome of this appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court could have significant implications not only for the rank structure within the MPD but also for broader labor relations between the city and its public safety unions. As this legal dispute unfolds, the future of MPD’s promotional practices remains uncertain, alongside the careers of the officers affected by the arbitration ruling.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Unveils New Regional Structure
Memphis Police Detain Three Suspects in Carjacking Case
Mt. Juliet Man Arrested for Assault and Driving Violations
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Lorain Police Officer in Ambush Attack
Court to Decide on New Trial for Officers in Tyre Nichols Case
Memphis Police Department Seeks Crossing Guards for School Year
Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Memphis Residents
DeSoto County Prepares for Back-to-School Season
Rogue Fire Engine Causes Havoc in Washington Community
Memphis Child’s Death Investigation Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Additional Resources
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.
