Memphis and Shelby County leaders launch office to tackle crime [Video]

Crime

The goal is to tackle violence reduction and improve the communities most disproportionately affected by crime.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After more than a year in the works, leaders from Shelby County and the City of Memphis say they have a solution to fighting back against violence.

The two entities announced Nov. 14 the formation of a joint office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. This was a move praised as “historic” by Greg Jackson, a member of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

“The city of Pittsburgh did the same thing, and in their first year, they saw a 42 percent reduction,” said Jackson.

After years of complaints that there was too much separation between the governments, the new office aims to unite efforts among the groups and non-profit organizations across the city.

“We hadn’t had our efforts aligned in our community, we hadn’t spoken with one voice,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.

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