MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Executive Research Foundation based in Washington D.C. will be in Memphis next week to inspect the city's police department.
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton along with MPD Director Toney Armstrong plan to put officers under the microscope. It's something the mayor says has been in the works for some time.
"For every one officer that goes wrong, there are 99 officers who are making their calls, getting there on time, treating our citizens with courtesy," Wharton said. "I think by in large, the people still trust our department."
The city is bringing in a big time consultant group, on your taxpayer dime by the way, to look at the entire workings of the police. But while that's going on, Mayor Wharton said he'll be meeting with Director Armstrong and the head of the Memphis Police Association, Mike Williams, to talk about the recent problems with law-breaking, badge-wearing, gun-toting flat foots.
Wharton told abc24.com, "We're going to sit down with Mr. Williams and other folks from the community and get their views on what's gone wrong here, because I'm not satisfied with it."
He is well aware that there are some of you who aren't too trusting of Memphis Police officers. But he also said we're dealing with people, and all the tests and requirements and punishments in the world can't stop somebody from going bad.
"We're not going to beat our heads against a brick wall saying we've got to come up with something that will make him or her do this, if it's not in them to comply and be of good character. It's not going to happen."
Meanwhile, City Councilman Lee Harris sent a letter to Mayor Wharton saying he wants action concerning a few things in the Organized Crime Unit audit. Specifically, he wants to know what changes will be made concerning illegal use of money and missing ammunition.
