MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Police Department, District Attorney and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation aren’t the only ones who have gotten a lot of scrutiny in the shooting of Darrius Stewart by Memphis Police Officer Connor Schilling.
The Mayor’s Office has been put under the glare as citizens call for transparency, something state law can prevent when the TBI is called in to investigate.
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton admitted he’s walking a tight rope.
“Keep in mind, you have individuals who have the right and responsibility to deprive you of your liberty: police officers. Everybody wants to make sure they are exercising those rights and responsibilities in a fair and responsible manner, ” said Wharton.
The Mayor is also ultimately over police officers, who already believe he turned his back on them in salary and benefit negotiations.
Police Union President Mike Williams, who is also running for Mayor, would have to walk that same tight rope if elected.
“I know everyone is going to say Mike Williams is going to protect the police officers because he is an officer. Well I have a son out there, I got nieces and nephews out there I don’t want anything to happen to them either,” said Williams.
Candidate Jim Strickland said transparency works both ways.
“When you are open about it and there is no hidden agendas and it exonerates the police, then you build trust in the police department and that is actually to the benefit of the public and the police department,” said Strickland.
Mayoral Candidate Harold Collins said sometimes even more is needed.
It’s why he sent the police director a letter asking him to get the U.S. Attorney to call in the FBI and Department of Justice to look into the Stewart shooting.
“I have an extensive career with the District Attorney`s Officer and Shelby County Government in law enforcement and I am going to hold true to that, but at the end of the day I am also going to hold true to values of honesty, integrity, transparency and giving information when it is accurate,” said Collins.
As for the request to get the FBI and the Department of Justice in on this investigation, U.S Attorney Ed Stanton sent us a statement today saying his office will get involved if and when it is warranted.
