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An expert in law enforcement has highlighted Memphis’ significant reduction in violent crime as a potential model for cities nationwide.
According to statistics released by the Memphis Police Department, the city has experienced a more than 40% decrease in violent crime in 2026 compared to the same timeframe last year. This improvement follows the creation of the Memphis Safe Task Force by President Trump, which unites local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, alongside the Tennessee National Guard.
See how much Memphis crime has dropped in 2026 vs. 2025:
- Overall violent crime: -40.52%
- Aggravated assault: -28.14%
- Arson: -33.33%
- Burglary: -28.06%
- Homicide: -36%
- Larceny: -39.07%
- Motor vehicle theft: -63.98%
- Robbery: -44.96%
- Sexual assault: -27.43%
The presence of federal law enforcement officers at the corner of Beale Street and North Second Street in Memphis, Tennessee, was noted on October 8, 2025, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s initiative to deploy the National Guard. (George Walker IV/AP)
“Memphis is undoubtedly a template for other cities across the country,” remarked Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, during an interview with Fox News Digital. She emphasized the significance of the collaborative efforts between state, local, and federal law enforcement, supported by proactive prosecutors and cooperative judges. According to her, this approach should be examined by every major city struggling with high crime rates.
Smith also noted that while Memphis had a longstanding reputation as “one of the most dangerous cities in this nation,” recent developments indicate a promising transformation.
Since the Memphis Safe Task Force was formed, over 7,400 arrests tied to homicides, sexual offenses, gang violence and drug trafficking have been made, according to the White House. Authorities have also seized 1,219 illegal weapons and located 150 missing children.
Federal agents first arrived in Memphis in September as part of the task force.
A Memphis Police Department officer patrols with National Guard members in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 10, 2025, amid President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal law enforcement officers. (George Walker IV/AP)
“The results are undeniable — proof that strong leadership, tough enforcement, and zero tolerance for criminals deliver real public safety and transform communities,” the White House said in a press release.
Residents are feeling the improvement as well.
Bobby Hardin, a Memphis resident, told Action 5 News that crime in the city isn’t as bad as it was before.
“I can say it’s gotten better now with comparison. I’ve never seen it as bad as it was two years ago,” Hardin said.
Members of the 117th Military Police Battalion of the National Guard and a Memphis police officer conduct a community safety patrol at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 12, 2025. (George Walker IV/AP)
For the first time since 2019, fewer than 200 murders were recorded in 2025, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Smith said she thinks the show of force by law enforcement is contributing to the decline in crime.
“People in uniform showing themselves making arrests, taking people to jail is one of the biggest deterrents that you can have when it comes to crime,” Smith said. “And then if those people arrested are prosecuted, are sent to jail, and the word gets out that if you get arrested, you’re going to go to jail. You’re going to not be back in the neighborhood in six hours, committing the same crimes.”
She also drew a direct parallel between the success seen in Memphis to what is being seen in Washington, D.C., saying the two are “similar.”
President Donald Trump hands a signed presidential memorandum to Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg)
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime in Washington, D.C. is down by 5% in 2026 compared to 2025, but saw a 29% drop in 2025 compared to 2024. President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C. in August.
Homicides are down by 53% in 2026 compared to 2025, according to the data.