The Memphis Police Department on Thursday announced a set of initiatives to combat specific crimes throughout the summer.

MPD leadership is developing a “robust plan” to address the “myriad of crime issues in our neighborhoods and business corridors this summer and beyond.”

Its plans include the execution of outstanding aggravated assault warrants; the “vigorous apprehension and prosecution” of those accused of violent crime; and 10 new uniformed Traffic Enforcement Unit officers and nine new motorcycle units to enforce traffic laws.

Opinion: Fighting back against a ‘crime-induced public health crisis’

Based on crime data and input from the community, MPD is focusing on reducing gun crimes, motor vehicle thefts and thefts from motor vehicles.

“In recent months, we all have witnessed an increase in crime throughout our city and the country,” a press release reads. “We want to reassure the citizens of Memphis that the Memphis Police Department will remain vigilant throughout this summer to prevent and respond to crime problems proactively.”

The department shared an outline of highlights from its plan.

Aggravated assaults and gun crimes

Police officers will be more visible in hot-spot areas where shootings frequently occur.

MPD also said that addressing gun violence committed by repeat offenders is a significant challenge.

Man accused in Huey’s shooting indicted and back in custody

“In the next few weeks, the MPD will coordinate with other department personnel to execute outstanding aggravated assault warrants during the summer months,” the release states.

MPD did not immediately respond to a request for the number of such warrants. 

The press release states that violent crime is being committed by a small percentage of the city’s population, requiring a “laser-focused approach.”

The department will work with federal and local partners to conduct “vigorous apprehension and prosecution” of people accused of committing violent crimes, including gun crimes.

The MPD will operate with the U.S. Marshals, which will apprehend dangerous fugitives.

MPD is also working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Tennessee in the prosecution of gun conversion devices and modified Glock switches. 

Break-ins, thefts and other criminal activity

Uniformed patrol will monitor apartments, restaurants and retail parking lots during evening hours to curb break-ins and other criminal activity. 

One of MPD Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis’ earlier initiatives since she joined the department in 2021 was to have steady blue lights on patrol cars, increasing their visibility.

Deputies conduct wellness check on Ja Morant

MPD will work closely with private business owners to help them “utilize proactive measures” to reduce property crimes. One of these measures could include business owners providing MPD access to their exterior cameras to aid investigations.

The department launched its Connect2Memphis program in November, which allows business owners and residents to integrate or register their cameras with MPD’s Real Time Crime Center. 

The RTCC personnel will focus on monitoring popular shopping areas and restaurant districts, which are seeing increases in theft from autos, auto thefts, and retail thefts.

The expanded Connect2Memphis camera network has “been instrumental” in helping solve retail thefts and car break-ins, MPD said. 

“Video integration accessed through public and private partnerships will enhance our real-time investigative capacity to better intercept and solve crimes and monitor major event spaces that attract large crowds,” the release reads. 

All MPD commanders will meet monthly with businesses and communities to share crime data and discuss measures to address trends. 

Traffic violations

The summer months also bring more traffic violations, the release states. 

MPD partnered with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to assist with traffic enforcement, including drag racing and speeding on highways and interstates.

MPD reverses decision on youth curfew center

“We have witnessed drivers traveling throughout our city streets and interstates who intentionally disrupt the natural flow of traffic with erratic and reckless driving,” the release reads. 

MPD has also added 10 new uniformed Traffic Enforcement Unit officers and nine new motorcycle units to enforce traffic laws citywide.

Recreation and youth 

There will be an increased presence of officers working Memphis Parks activities, outdoor gatherings, festivals and other city-sponsored youth activities.

MPD’s Community Engagement Section will also host various youth-related summer activities, including summer camps, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and summer sports.

MPD to share Greenlaw Community Center with city parks department

MPD will also “contact the appropriate resources” to help resolve status offenses.

Regarding curfew enforcement, law enforcement has the discretion to “seek other alternatives for youthful offenders.” This can include reuniting children with their parents or contacting the Department of Children's Services.

“As our youth begin their summer breaks, we wish for safe and enjoyable experiences for all our children in the coming weeks and encourage parents and guardians to play an intimate role in their whereabouts and their activities,” the press release states.

MPD has waffled on plans for youth curfew enforcement in recent months. 

It hosted a community meeting Tuesday, where Chief Davis said the Greenlaw Community Center would no longer be used as a curfew center. The announcement was a reversal from previous statements from MPD, which indicated the center at 190 Mill Ave. would be used to house youth out past curfew.