MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - With another Memphis police officer in trouble with the law, now Mayor A C Wharton says he's finally got a plan to deal with bad cops.
Almost two months ago, the mayor said "immediate action" was needed after an off-duty Memphis cop shot and killed a 15-year-old boy. He announced the formation of a new police committee. Finally, he is ready to let you know all about the group - just not yet.
A C Wharton was not a happy mayor back on September 27. "Obviously, something isn't working correctly," he said.
That was the day the mayor and Police Director Toney Armstrong decided something had to be done about these cops gone bad. It was the day the mayor announced a special police committee would be formed.
A week and a half later, Wharton said he was close.
"Rather than do it quickly, we want to do it right. They'll have a big job, so just give me a few more days, we'll come out with the names."
The days passed by - nothing. Now Mayor Wharton says he's got the committee and he'll name names… just as soon as Director Armstrong is back in town.
"I've been saying tomorrow. I've been saying next week. We have the package complete. Just as soon as he's on the ground here, we're ready to roll it out."
It's weeks late, the mayor admits, but says this announcement will knock your socks off.
"And it's much more than a committee, I will say. It involves much, much more than that. So it's worth the wait."
There are a lot of people who will be waiting for the mayor's announcement, including the Memphis Police Association - the union that represents cops.
They've been angry that they haven't been a part of the committee's formation, and they will definitely have something to say when it's announced.
