MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Reverend Dwight Montgomery, President of the Memphis chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, says the high crime rate coupled with unqualified Memphis police officers, who are supposed to protect and serve, is the reason for the contentious relationship that exists between Memphians and Memphis' finest.
Montgomery has a solution to not only repair the relationship, he also has a solution to fix the problems that plague the MPD.
"A police officer with a badge, a pistol needs to go through extensive training… police officers need to go through more extensive background checks and psychological tests," he said. "You have to be dedicated, you have to be honest, need to be well-trained, have mental psychological stability."
He says that mental stability is something some officers don't have. "If you're sick in the head then you're going to do something that is sick."
Montgomery has written letters to Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong expressing his desire to help.
His plan, he says, is to "come together in these forums and develop a vision for better police and community relations." He adds, "As they protect and serve we need to respect as we serve in the community as citizens."
