MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Do you feel safer now than you did last year? You should, according to new data from the Memphis-Shelby Crime Commission.
The commission reports that most violent crimes have decreased significantly. Crimes tracked include murder, assault, rape, motor vehicle theft, and more.
“I can't believe it,” Gwen Harper, a lifelong Memphis resident and concerned about crime, told FOX13. “Just by watching the news, you can see that crime is everywhere.”
Like Harper, many people feel surrounded by crime. MPD has reported 85 homicides so far in 2024, which is already on pace to break the 2023 homicide record.
“That's how I feel anyway,” Harper said. “I want to be proven wrong.”
New data from the Memphis-Shelby Crime Commission shows Part 1 crimes peaked in May 2023 at just over 6,100 crimes before hitting a new low in March 2024 at just over 3,300. Part 1 crimes include most violent crimes, felony theft, arson, and human trafficking.
The committee called this trend “particularly encouraging” and many expect it to continue.
“That would be great. That would be great,” Harper said. “I’m tired of people labeling Memphis the worst city.”
Memphis Police Department said in a statement that the crime drop is thanks to a number of preventive measures.
“The City of Memphis has seen a decline in Part 1 crime since the end of 2023. Crime in the city is currently down more than 18% compared to this time last year. We have utilized a number of tools to fight crime. We have held strategic crime planning sessions with our branch commanders. We were able to develop plans for and compare efforts we are trying to replicate in other parts of the city. Increased data-driven policing allows resources to be placed where they have the most impact on crime. In addition, Operation Code Zero, through intensive efforts with other city resources and law enforcement partners, has taken numerous felons off the streets. More than 20,000 steering wheel locks have been distributed to the public for protection. Public education through social media campaigns is also increasing.
The hard work of our police officers who work tirelessly to keep Memphis safe is paying off. But we would not have achieved the success we did in 2024 without the support and steps taken by the public to secure property and report suspicious activity. ”
Some believe that to maintain this momentum, we need to address the root causes of crime.
“I think it has a lot to do with poverty,” said Memphian Nichelle Collier. “I think we need to address that issue head-on.”
Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood.
Click here to download
Trending articles:
