Memphis Police Department Officer Equipment Improvement Project

Statistics compiled by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission in August showed overall crime increased by more than 8% in Memphis in 2022.There has been an increase in violent crimes and theft within the City of Memphis. Visibility and identification equipment will allow officers to ready identify individuals whom are in need of assistance and those that commit crimes. Also, the armor equipment allows officers to remain safe during times of crisis. Memphis Police Department requests equipment for the well-being and safety of officers while performing duties in their communities. The requested equipment is specifically for officers arriving at the scene of a crisis. The proposed protective gear, such as the ballistic shields and rifle plates, allow officers to respond to gun crime while safely completing the apprehension of persons who commit violent crimes. Obtaining this equipment supports work to study and improve officer performance and safety on several fronts. Visibility and forensic equipment for officers, such as thermal imaging devices and tint meters for optical safety, will aid in criminal investigations and preventive analytics. To add, leadership and de-escalation training are needed for the growing demand of promoted and newly hired officers.