MISSION
The mission of the Memphis Police Department is to reduce crime by providing quality public safety in partnership with our community.
VISION
We strive to be a best-in-class leader in policing by continually improving our people, processes, technology, and service to our community.
VALUES
- Professionalism-A commitment to consistently achieve high job performance standards while in public and privately.
- Integrity– Demonstrating high moral and ethical principles at all times.
- Collaboration-Striving for excellence by working collectively with our internal and external stakeholders/partners to solve problems.
- Accountability-Fulfilling our responsibilities by doing what is expected in all situations.
GOAL
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The Memphis Police Department’s goal is to create and maintain an overall environment for public safety. Our vision is for Memphis to be recognized for zero tolerance for crime as well as its compassion and responsiveness to the needs, rights, and expectations of all its citizens. The Memphis Police Department continues to make great progress in providing safe environments for the citizens of Memphis while developing strong partnerships within the community.
Chief Davis's commitment to advancing
Reimagining Policing-Progress over the past 24 months
I. RESOURCES
A. As of 2022-2023, six MPD leaders have been enrolled in the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy (FBINA); At present, 4 members have graduated.
B. Enrolled 6 MPD leaders into the Senior Management Institute for Police Leadership course (SMIP) at Boston University–Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
C. Reorganized the police department to align similar functions and responsibilities to create operational efficiency and effectiveness:
1. A Strategic and Special Projects Section was created to manage CALEA and conduct planning and research activities to implement “best practices”. As well as creating new written policies, this section reviews existing policies and updates them if necessary.
2. Created External Relations to ensure a proper relationship could be established and maintained with our stakeholders (e.g., courts, community, etc.).
3. Aligned Patrol Operations under a single Deputy Chief. A Colonel was added along with other support staff. The Patrol Division’s office was moved to 2714 Union Extended to support the division’s overall functional responsibilities.
4. Divided the Investigations Bureau into a Crimes Against Persons section and a Crimes Against Property section. A Colonel is assigned to oversee both sections.
5. Separated The Traffic Unit from the Special Services Section and renamed it the Traffic Section.
6. Aligned the Grants Unit with the Finance Division in order to ensure consistent accounting principles across all MPD financial units. In addition, the PIO’s office has been overhauled to add more sworn staff with specific responsibilities and a media professional with broadcast experience.
7. Created the Fugitive Unit on February 22, 2022, for the purpose of locating and apprehending violent offenders, who are fugitives from justice. The “Memphis Most Wanted” webpage, which was a part of the new unit was officially launched on April 7, 2022.
8. Created the Gun Crimes Unit to investigate and apprehend those individuals responsible for aggravated assaults involving the use and/or displaying of a firearm.
D. Recruited and hired more than 390 new police recruits over the past 24 months.
E. In 2023, the department graduated 25 police commanders in the inaugural “Memphis Police Leadership Academy.” This is a 5-week leadership course developed and conducted in partnership with the University of Tennessee.
F. Created the first-line supervisor rank of 2nd Lieutenant to fill the supervisory void at the line level. Approximately 125 patrol supervisor positions were created while expanding career options for officers.
G. Modified the promotional process to include tenured commissioned officers; ensuring that a wide range of experienced officers can participate in the promotional process, essentially adding career advancement opportunities at all levels of the police hierarchy.
H. Re-established the Special Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU) unit to focus on traffic enforcement and investigations.
I. Consolidated patrol shifts from four to three 8-hour shifts to redistribute manpower to cover peak periods.
J. Expanded the (C.O.P.) Community Outreach Program by creating 50 Community Impact Officer positions. Moreover, the unit partnered with the Parks Division to co-locate and offer Park activities to those associated with the Police Athletic League (PAL).
K. Expanded the size of the Motors Unit, adding nine new officers to help facilitate services.
L. A new uniform vendor was secured for the department. This vendor offers efficient online uniform shopping and shipping solutions that provide a quick turnaround for our officers.
II. ISB DASHBOARD
A. Updated and restored the “Disciplinary Matrix” to ensure consistent discipline within the agency.
B. Revised the disciplinary policy to separate/terminate officers within 96 hours who commit felony and some misdemeanor crimes.
C. Revised the Arrest Procedure Policy to include duty to intervene, duty to report, etc.
III. YOUTH SERVICES
A. The Memphis Police Department established a “Girl Scout” program which consists of citywide participation.
B. Implemented a new police car design and introduced it with the introduction of the Ford Inceptor patrol vehicle.
C. Re-established the Police Athletic League (PAL) along with an advisory board. The board governs the activities associated with the PAL program. The program engages youth from 8-18 years old by assisting them with their personal growth and development through recreational, academic, and cultural activities.
D. Acquired the Greenlaw Community Center space that will be shared with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department. The center will be used for its current community activities as well as MPD’s ongoing community programming.
IV. 21st CENTURY POLICING
A. Implemented a new take-home vehicle fleet program. The intent is to improve law enforcement visibility within the city. This allows for improved information flow and a greater supervisory focus associated with each work unit. A new Colonel was assigned to Investigative Services to oversee all crimes against property work units.
B. Ten new electric bicycles were introduced to the Entertainment District (Beale Street). The bicycles are environmentally friendly, and they allow the officers the ability to patrol more effectively in the downtown space.
C. Established L.G.B.T.Q and Hispanic liaison positions within the agency. This action fosters improved community relations and public safety in vulnerable communities.
D. Used PowerBI to drive our COMPSTAT weekly meeting and to assist supervisors daily with real-time crime data support.
E. Implemented PowerFTO. This software solution allows our FTOs (Field Training Officers) to go paperless while creating a more efficient evaluation process for our trainees.
F. Implemented PowerDMS. This web-based solution enables the department to archive all written policies and documents creating a paperless and more efficient document management solution.
G. Implemented FUSUS, a new camera network that allows the members of the private and public sectors to register their cameras to help MPD solve crime. This solution enables the agency to reduce its camera cost while enhancing its access to video citywide by partnering with the community;
MEMPHIS POLICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATION
The Memphis Police Department graduated 24 Majors and Lieutenants from its new Leadership Academy. The program, developed in partnership with the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center Leadership Academy (LEIC), submerses middle-level supervisors in a five-week interactive instruction style academy. Each week focused on themed lessons such as Foundations of Leadership/Leading Others, Leadership Skills, Building External Relationships, Employee/Internal Matters, and Critical Issues. The program is designed to develop successful leadership styles to help graduates to become more effective and progressive leaders.
Chief Davis and her staff attended the inaugural ceremony and spoke on the importance of leadership and the significance of the training. The Memphis Police Department is committed to training and producing the best supervisors and tomorrow’s leaders.
Congratulations to the 2023 Inaugural Class!
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“I will continue to lead the great men and women of the Memphis Police Department. I am excited to see our commanders and officers building stronger relationships within the community. The Memphis Police Department is, and will always be, one of the best departments in our country.”