MEMPHIS, Tenn. –Mayor Jim Strickland told an audience during his swearing in ceremony they all play a part in tackling public safety.
A spokesperson with the Memphis Police Department said there were fewer homicides in 2015 compared to 2014.
Mayor Jim Strickland told a group he will focus on retaining and recruiting quality police officers and firefighters.
Strickland also said he plans to announce new programs to keep young people safe.
“In 2015, 1,296 children were shot, shot at or threatened with a weapon, this is unacceptable,” said Strickland.
Even people in the audience found those numbers from 2015 disturbing.
Mayor Strickland is taking extra steps to force criminals out of your neighborhoods.
“This month, we will announce a partnership with the state with the West Tennessee Drug and Task Force to target and remove gang members from our streets,” he said.
A spokesperson with the Memphis Police Department said there were 161 homicides in 2015, 13 were 17-years-old and younger.
In 2014, 168 homicides were reported and 14 were youth.
City Council members said the numbers are still ridiculous even though homicides are down.
“It’s still too high, the crime rate is still too high, we have to force it down, we have to focus on suppression but we also have to focus on what Mayor Strickland talked about which is the result of crime is we have half the kids in the city living below the poverty level which is unacceptable,” said Kemp Conrad, chairman of the council.
“In order to get rid of crime, we need people to join neighborhood watch,” said Jamita Swearengen, a council member.
Strickland said he needs the community’s help tackling the city’s crime problem.
“Show up at town hall mtgs, let your voice be heard, mentor a child, check on a neighbor, pick up litter when you see it on the street and volunteer for neighborhood watch,” Strickland said.
Strickland also said on Monday he will introduce a legislative package that will include enhanced sentences for repeat domestic violence offenders.
Mayor Strickland, 13 council members and a city court clerk were sworn in.
WREG’s Stephanie Scurlock was the emcee for that event.
