Public officials are seeking input into reforming the Memphis Police Department via a new website,reimagine.memphistn.gov.Residents are encouraged to submit concerns and offer suggestions about future policies.
The site compiles various documents, from inspections results to training policies. Officials say they are still working out details about how feedback will be handled and how promptly residents can expect responses. The city, not the MPD, is expected to monitor the site.
Although the option was not immediately available Tuesday afternoon, citizens should also eventually be able to file a complaint against specific officers through the site.
Police Director Michael Rallings says the department is using federal guidelines created under the Obama administration, known as 21st Century Policing, to shape reform efforts. It’s also on the site.
“I think we can be more purposeful and definitely do more to closely align with 21st Century Policing and do what many of our citizens are asking us to do,” Rallings said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Mayor Jim Strickland said at the conference that he wants to see the city create an electronic database that makes searching for complaints against officers easy and accessible.