Opinion: Reducing crime must include collaboration among community leaders
A former MPD officer on the effectiveness of Community Action Units and related efforts
“In the 1990s, the MPD created Coact Units or Community Action Units,” writes Ray Schwill, the former deputy director for the Memphis Police Department. “... It gave the police officers assigned there a face, a name and a role as leading advocates in building a strong community.” (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
Ray Schwill
Ray Schwill is the former Deputy Director of the Memphis Police Department, retiring in 2004 after 30 years of service. He is currently teaching criminal justice at Bartlett High School.
“The process of building Community Action Units within a neighborhood involved community leaders in business, education, faith and other pertinent groups. It gave police officers a face, a name and a role as leading advocates in building a strong community.”
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