Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | John Covington

Opinion: Increased pay for MPD is 'essential' to lowering crime

john.covington@memphispoliceassociation.org (John Covington) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:00:07 -0500

Memphis Police Association Vice President John Covington writes , “There is an undeniable need for more officers, especially given the growing workload and escalating dangers that complicate our recruitment efforts.”

Opinion: Hiring more police in Memphis is now possible

john.covington@memphispoliceassociation.org (John Covington) — Thu, 6 Oct 2022 19:11:29 -0500

One of the leaders of the Memphis police union argues that at a time when the national competition for police officers is fierce, Memphis has laid the groundwork for long-term sustained success in hiring police and fighting crime.

Guest column: Police officers, like elected officials, also need raises

john.covington@memphispoliceassociation.org (John Covington) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:00:04 -0600

“Memphis desperately needs more police officers. The pandemic and societal upheaval have only exacerbated an issue Memphis has been struggling with since 2014 when police pensions and healthcare benefits were slashed.”

Memphis police, fire associations seek 'For' vote on sales-tax referendum

john.covington@memphispoliceassociation.org (John Covington) — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:00:06 -0500

'Until we get serious about rebuilding our police and fire departments and fixing our retention problem, we will never be able to proactively attack the issue of crime.'