Federal Initiative To Launch In Memphis To Help Curb Violent Crime

Image Credit: Memphis Police Department est.1827 / Facebook

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Federal officials are stepping in to provide additional support in Memphis’ battle against increasing crime across the city.

On the heels of Governor Lee’s promise to send more highway patrol officers to the area, Memphis will now become the second city in the U.S. to participate in the new crime fighting initiative from the Department of Justice.

According to federal officials, the city will be provided with a variety of tools and resources to combat gang activity and other violence.

The Department of Justice will send a team of seven prosecutors to work together with U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Kevin G. Ritz and his office to bring the Violent Crime Initiative to Memphis. The FBI, ATF, and the Memphis Police Department will also be providing assistance to the program.

Ritz said, “As U.S. Attorney and a lifelong Memphian, I know the citizens of this city are sick and tired of gun violence and violent crime. And I am, too.”

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri from the DOJ Criminal Division noted that crime in the city was at a 17-year high, with a record number of homicides taking place this year.

Argentieri said the Division would bring in the needed tools to “investigate and prosecute” those guilty of violent crimes and would target violent gangs across the city.

They will also work to provide resources to communities in an effort to get to the “root causes of crime.”

The program was launched in Houston, where they were able to prosecute 50 gang members.

Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said, “This new initiative is a positive step in the right direction, which fosters a sense of renewed hope for improved quality of life for our citizens and visitors.”