MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Two state lawmakers want the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an audit to prove that the Memphis Police Department’s claims that “crime is down” are true after allegations that MPD is manipulating and distorting crime statistics.
MPD released a statement Wednesday saying these claims are untrue.
MPD and Police Chief CJ Davis have repeatedly touted a drop in recent crime, citing quarterly statistics released in collaboration with the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission in the form of press releases sent to media outlets.
Two Republican lawmakers from Memphis, State Senator Brent Taylor and Representative John Gillespie, sent a letter to TBI Director David Rausch on August 15 formally requesting that the bureau conduct an audit of MPD’s crime reporting practices, specifically to ensure compliance with the Tennessee Incident-Based Reporting System (TIBRS).
The two lawmakers say that if these practices are indeed happening, it means MPD has suppressed or distorted crime statistics, “undermining public trust and the ability of law enforcement agencies to accurately assess and respond to criminal activity,” the letter continues.
Chief Davis released the following statement in response:
“MPD does not and will not manipulate crime data. Our reporting to TIBRS follows strict state and federal standards and has been fully compliant for over a decade. Every incident is classified using statewide and national definitions, subject to review and ongoing outside audits by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. There is no ‘systematic downgrading of crimes,’ our goal is not to produce ‘good numbers.’ Our goal is to reduce crime, build safer neighborhoods, and give the public the truth.”
Taylor and Gillespie add that an audit by the TBI would help to ensure crimes are being properly classified and reported.
Moreover, they say they are discussing potential legislation to create a “Duty to Report” when data entry personnel are asked to improperly change crime classifications.
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