MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dealing with the spike in homicides and other violent crime has been Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s biggest challenge by far.
In the midst of that, he is still searching for a permanent police director.
On Wednesday, WREG asked the mayor about the search and the money he’ll need to keep the city safe.
Mayor Strickland is just over 100 days in office.
He finds fulfilling his campaign promise of making the streets of Memphis safer isn’t easy.
There have been more than 60 homicides since January 1.
He’s banking on finding a permanent police director that can hit the ground running.
“We need somebody who has experience in an urban setting over a large police force who really has a vision of how we reduce violent crime,” he said.
Strickland said he wants a director who is committed to blue crush, data-driven policing and community policing.
We asked how the two might mesh.
“Data driven policing is where the crime is occurring and put more police officers in those areas. Community policing is talking with people, building a relationship between the police and the community. Number 1 is to improve relationships and Number 2 is to help you solve crimes, ” Strickland said.
Strickland also wants to hire 250 more police officers over several years and that takes money.
He presents his budget to the City Council Tuesday.
There are also expenses like a new radio system for police and fire, and matching funds for Foote Homes that Strickland said the city needs but he knew nothing about before taking office.
We asked if a tax increase was coming.
“We don’t anticipate it,” he said. “Memphis can’t afford a large tax increase. I don’t see that happening this year. We don’t know exactly because we’re still in negotiations with our employee unions this week.”
Strickland spent 8 years as a City Council member questioning the former mayor about his administration’s expenses, and now the tables have turned.
Strickland presents his budget Tuesday and must answer to the City Council on how he plans to spend your tax dollars.
In the $650 million budget there are plans to raise the police director’s salary from the $150,000 to $250,000.
It’s unclear if patrolmen will get a raise, and, if so, how much.