Memphis today will announce a wide-ranging review of police policies after the arrests of 20 officers on various charges this year, reports the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “The immediate issue is going to be the disciplinary process,” said Chief Administrative Officer George Little. Police Director Toney Armstrong “quite correctly sees the need to review all policies,” Little added.
A report this year from the Police Executive Research Forum noted that Memphis operates a “full service” police department, with officers responding to “even the most minor calls from citizens.” Little said, “There are some big questions that need to be answered.” In some cities victims of minor burglaries in which only one or two items are stolen, and motorists involved in minor accidents can file reports online. “Do we make every call for a cat that is in every tree or every car window that is broken into?” Little said. “That’s some pretty important stuff that we’re going to have to address.”