MPD reports historic reductions in violent crime, outlines Memphis Safe Task Force deployment and recruitment push

The Memphis Police Department told the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Oct. 7 that violent crime in the city is down year‑to‑date and presented a multi‑pronged strategy that includes focused enforcement, prosecution coordination and a federal‑partner Memphis Safe Task Force deployment.

Chief C.J. Davis and staff presented a three‑year comparison showing declines across major categories including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. The department reported precinct‑level declines ranging from roughly 17% to 35% in several precincts year‑to‑date.

MPD described targeted programs driving those gains: an aggravated‑assault focused review led internally by an attorney (Forrest Edwards) that flags prolific offenders for coordinated prosecution; and a Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative launched in January 2025 that has identified more than 60 repeat offenders and has 18 in custody, including three of the top five repeat offenders. The department said aggravated assault domestic‑violence incidents are down about 10% year‑to‑date.

MPD also detailed technology and operational investments that support…