MPD says its dealing with a vehicle shortage; city leaders discuss solutions [Video]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis Police Department is grappling with a vehicle shortage.

City leaders discussed the ongoing concern at Memphis City Council on Tuesday with MPD’s top brass, including interim Police Chief CJ Davis.

MPD has several hundred vehicles in its fleet, including take-home cars and those designated to precincts.

According to Memphis Police Association President Sergeant Matt Cunningham, the vehicle shortage has been going on since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain issues and ongoing vehicle maintenance.

“We had a little over 300 cars that were assigned to precincts [as of June], and of those 300, about 170 of them were in the shop awaiting maintenance,” Cunningham said.

Tuesday, Councilwoman Jerri Green asked how the police department could get more funds for more cars.

“I’ve gotten a report, there’s 37 cars assigned to Crump and only 13 of them are running,” said Green. …