The Memphis Police Department is stepping up its “Slow Down Memphis” traffic enforcement operation by partnering with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to crack down on interstate shootings, reckless driving, speeding and drag racing.

MPD Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis announced the partnership, during a press conference Tuesday, July 20, at police headquarters Downtown.

“Together, in an effort to suppress speeding violations, interstate shootings, reckless driving and all the recent illegal activity that negatively affects travel within this jurisdiction and throughout the county and state, we have agreed to work collaboratively for the safety of everyone who travels the interstate system,” Davis said. “Not only are we working together, but our goal is to eventually implement a sustainable plan.”

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The “Slow Down Memphis” operation launched in April. So far this year, MPD has investigated 77 interstate shootings with 16 resulting in someone getting shot. Twelve people have been arrested or warrants issued for their arrest, Davis said.

She added that MPD has made more than 12,000 traffic stops on interstates this year, written more than 7,500 traffic citations, made 350 arrests and recovered 18 illegal weapons.

Davis also said the operation is not a “one and done” but is part of the ongoing effort by law enforcement to keep streets safe.

“The facts are clear. We must bring all resources available to address the lawlessness and these brazen violent acts and attacks that threaten innocent motorists commuting through our jurisdiction,” Davis said. “In the months ahead, we will be working diligently to change this narrative.”

Davis met last week with THP and SCSO to discuss highway shootings and drag racing, and the partnership was born.

Each of MPD’s nine precincts has been asked to provide officers for the operation, along with the department’s specialized units, and officers will be paid overtime, MPD Assistant Chief Don Crowe said.

He said officers will work in conjunction with state troopers and SCSO deputies and will be visible, but he would not reveal other details about the operation, including what traffic corridors police would patrol or when.

“We don’t want the bad guys to know our specific tactics. We don’t want the bad guys to know the specific places and times we’re going to be. We just want them to know that we will be there,” Crowe said.

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He said officers will use radar and some precincts have bought new radars. Police will also use license plate readers and cameras to combat reckless driving and crack down on counterfeit tags, which Crowe said are an “increasing problem” in Memphis.

Crowe urged citizens to drive safely and follow the rules of the road, including obeying speed limits and reporting reckless driving and behavior.

THP Capt. Jimmie Johnson said THP is bringing in extra troopers to help with the operation, like with previous enforcement operations including Operation Grizzly and Operation Guardian Angel. He said THP will use grant funding to pay overtime for troopers to work the operation.

“This is not just an MPD problem, not just a Shelby County problem, it is also a Tennessee Highway patrol problem,” Johnson said.

Johnson said traffic fatalities are up nearly 20% this year in Memphis with 133 fatal crashes to date compared to 112 during the same time frame last year.

Davis said illegal drag racing is increasing and is an ongoing issue that she has seen firsthand.

“Just the night before last, we had reports of drag racing — 20-30 vehicles drag racing not just on our freeways but in the inner city, which causes great alarm,” she said.

Davis said the alarm isn’t just for the citizens who live in the affected area, but for commuters passing through the area as well.

“As a commuter out of uniform, I have experienced it and it is alarming,” she said. “It is scary to individuals who are not trained to navigate the roads, and we really feel it is important for us to do something about it.”

She added that citizens who encounter drag racers on secondary streets and interstates should try to distance themselves.

“When you see individuals driving recklessly, the best thing to do is to move over, distance yourself, pretend as if there were blue lights behind you or a fire truck behind you,” she said. “Move out of the way because you can’t anticipate what a dangerous driver may do or what his next step is.”

She said if citizens can get a tag number, it is helpful. But she said police do not want people to put themselves in danger by following a reckless driver.

“We ask that everyone exercise due regard,” Davis said. “Pay attention to your surroundings as well, and we ask everyone to look out for your own personal safety as you are commuting our roads.”