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TN Politics: "Good Choice" for New Chief

On Monday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland named his pick to be the next Memphis police chief. Political analyst Otis Sanford says she is a good choice for a city that needs fresh perspectives in law enforcement. 

But Davis will also inherit a number of problems demanding immediate attention. A recent internal report at MPD found growing morale issues and major problems attracting and retaining officers. The city is currently on track to have another record-breaking year for homicides. In the wake of the George Floyd verdict, local activists are looking for substantial reforms to local policing to ensure accountability in law enforcement.

Sanford says the Memphis Police Department cannot solve the problem of violence in our communities. That starts with addressing the root causes of violence: poverty and lack of education.

Reporting from the gates of Graceland to the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Christopher has covered Memphis news, arts, culture and politics for more than 20 years in print and on the radio. He is currently WKNO's News Director and Senior Producer at the University of Memphis' Institute for Public Service Reporting. Join his conversations about the Memphis arts scene on the WKNO Culture Desk Facebook page.