In brief
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced a coordinated effort to reduce crime in Memphis with the arrival of a federal task force starting next week. The operation includes personnel from 13 federal agencies and the National Guard. Governor Lee emphasized this initiative aims to transform Memphis into a safer city, marking a significant change in the region's crime narrative.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a decisive move, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced on Friday that Memphis will receive a heightened federal law enforcement presence to address escalating crime levels in the city. This initiative will commence next week, incorporating a strategic operation involving 13 federal agencies, city police, and state troopers.
During a press conference in Memphis, Governor Lee revealed that among those deployed will be members of the National Guard. Specific details regarding the timing of the Guard's arrival were not provided, but according to Lee, their role will be strictly supportive, without authority to make arrests unless requested by local law enforcement.
“The story of crime in Memphis is about to be a story of the past,” Lee proclaimed, highlighting confidence in this proactive strategy to recharge safety in the city.
The operation includes crucial agencies such as the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, all expected to have a presence in Memphis starting next week. Lee maintained that he has no plans to declare a state of emergency.
“Memphis is a world-class city. Before us, we have a generational opportunity to make Memphis a safe city,” he added.
Communications from the city highlighted that National Guard personnel will be in their standard uniforms without masks and that no armored tanks will be deployed during this mission.
This announcement comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s directive on September 12, to send the National Guard to Memphis, followed by the establishment of a task force designated for the operation on September 15.
