MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s a decision the community weighed in on and Mayor Jim Strickland looked around the country to make, but now we know who he selected as police director: The man many people rooted for, Michael Rallings.
The position’s been open since February with Rallings being the one who’s filled in.
“They’ve been some of the toughest months in my career, some of the toughest months for law enforcement across the nation, but it’s been some of the best months of my life,” said Rallings.
Mayor Strickland officially selected him for the position after interviewing candidates from around the country.
It was a $40,000 search he’s standing by.
“How else could I promise somebody or look them in the eye and say, ‘I got the best possible person,’ unless I did the search?” said Mayor Strickland.
Community support grew for Rallings after he prayed with protesters who shut down the I-40 bridge.
A turning point for public opinion, but not the sole factor in the mayor’s decision.
“I picked Director Rallings not just on one incident,” said the mayor. “It’s his leadership that he’s shown throughout the past six years, his plans.”
He said Rallings earned his trust and has proved his dedication to our community.
“It’s just blown me away that you’ve allowed me to serve you,” said Rallings. “I’ve felt your love. I’ve felt your pain. I am here for you and I’m committed to all of you.”
Rallings has attended block parties to promote peace, listened to protesters and offered solutions during city meetings.
“We cannot fail,” said Rallings. “We cannot lose hope. We can never give up.”
In his six months as interim, Rallings says major crimes have dropped, more officers have been recruited and the department’s gotten more equipment and grants.
“Memphis, I’ve heard your cry,” said Rallings. “We will reform MPD, we’ll be more responsive, more open, and we welcome the opportunity to improve.”
Rallings promised better communication with the public going forward.
“This is about all of us working together to accomplish a goal, to move this city to where she deserves to be,” he said.
Rallings said he wants to see more community outreach events across Memphis with people from all different backgrounds.
“There’s a lot more work to do,” said Rallings. “This is a big city.”
Mike Rallings promises change as new Memphis Police Director
A city with 133 homicides so far this year.
It’s a number Rallings isn’t happy with, but he said since nearly half of the homicides involved people who knew each other, it’s going to take involved parents to prevent more killing.
“You have no right to point your finger at the police department and say this is just our problem because you know, the police were not in my home,” said Rallings. “Mama and daddy was the police.”
He said he wants to continue mentorship programs with students, recruit and retain more officers and keep listening to what the community needs.
“I’m not up here to make you 500 million promises because a lot of what we accomplish depends on how much hard work Memphis is willing to do,” said Rallings.
He said he’s open to the department being evaluated by the International Association of Police Chiefs, or others, to build trust in the police.
“It’s a challenge, but we’re going to roll up our sleeves and do all we can,” said Rallings.
The mayor’s appointment will go before city council Tuesday, a body that has already publicly supported Rallings.
