The Memphis City Council on Jan. 21 voted unanimously to confirm C.J. Davis as the permanent chief of the Memphis Police Department.

The confirmation came after council members and the chief each addressed changes at the department and the outstanding findings in a Justice Department report. Council members praised recent crime reductions and operational improvements while emphasizing continued work on training, supervision and treatment of vulnerable residents.

Chief C.J. Davis told the council that “a lot has gone right this past year,” saying, “Homicides are down. Many of our violent crimes are down,” and credited new practices and cooperation with council on resources and repairs. He acknowledged remaining challenges linked to the Justice Department review: “The biggest and, toughest thing for me right now, of course, is what was stated in the DOJ report. It is heartbreaking to me… It made me sick to my stomach.”

Council members who spoke before the vote said they had seen operational changes and improved responsiveness. Councilwoman White, chair of the Public Safety Committee, said the department had been transparent and responsive. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, citing the federal report and the city’s demographics, said she was “very hopeful with your leadership” but urged continued focus on treating “our children… with compassion.” Councilwoman Walker urged a “holistic” approach that pairs policing with wraparound services.

Mayor (name not specified) also addressed the council: “You all have inspired a city… you represent a strong community with a very, very strong legacy in this city,” and thanked the team for their work.

Council members first moved to take the chief’s appointment off the table and then voted on the permanent appointment. The motions and counting were recorded on the council roll; the final confirmation vote was 13–0 (all present council members recorded as yes). The council also placed the item into the same-night minutes as requested.

The council and chief agreed the department’s work would continue to include budget planning, equipment and training improvements and further work to address the Justice Department’s findings.

Action details and vote record appear in the meeting's official minutes.