Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis: Leading MPD in 2024 | Latest Updates

Cerelyn “CJ” Davis serves as the interim police chief of the Memphis Police Department. Mayor Paul Young appointed her to this interim position in January 2024. She holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to lead the Memphis Police Department.

Her current role comes with significant responsibility and attention from city leadership. The Memphis City Council tabled a vote on her permanent reappointment in January 2024. Mayor Young plans to seek her reappointment after the budget season concludes.

Davis’s position includes oversight of the department’s $307 million budget proposal. Her current salary stands at $246,370.46, following a 12.3% reduction from her previous compensation of $280,862.14.

CJ Davis’s Professional Background

Davis brings over 35 years of law enforcement experience to Memphis. Her career began at the Atlanta Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to leadership positions.

In Atlanta, she commanded the Special Operations Section. This division included crucial units:

• SWAT
• Mounted Patrol
• Motors
• Helicopter Unit
• Vice & Narcotics
• Federal Task Force Officers
• Organized Crime

Her role as Deputy Chief in Atlanta placed her at the helm of the Strategies & Special Projects Division. She oversaw the Video Integration Center, managing over 3,000 public and private sector cameras across the city.

After retiring from Atlanta in June 2016, Davis took the position of Police Chief in Durham, North Carolina. There, she focused on building trust between citizens and law enforcement while developing sustainable community partnerships.

Landmark Achievements at Memphis Police Department

Since joining MPD in June 2021, Davis has marked several significant accomplishments. She spearheaded a major recruitment drive, bringing more than 400 new officers to the force. This initiative focused on increasing both racial and gender diversity within the department.

Under her leadership, MPD launched Connect2Memphis, a growing public-private camera network. This system enhances the department’s ability to monitor and respond to criminal activity across the city.

Her achievements in community engagement include:

• Expanding community-oriented policing programs
• Developing business partnerships
• Implementing data-driven policing strategies
• Focusing on crime reduction through targeted approaches

Challenges and Critical Incidents

Davis’s tenure has faced significant challenges, particularly in crime management. Memphis recorded 399 homicides in 2023, marking a record high. Property crimes also saw concerning increases during this period.

A defining moment came with the Tyre Nichols case in January 2023. Following this tragic incident, Davis took decisive action:

• Disbanded the Scorpion unit
• Fired seven officers for policy violations
• Implemented departmental reforms
• Faced increased scrutiny over department practices

The U.S. Department of Justice launched two separate investigations in 2023:

• A patterns and practices investigation examining force usage and arrest conduct
• A review of de-escalation strategies and specialized units

Future Plans and Department Goals

Davis’s proposed initiatives for the Memphis Police Department focus on measurable improvements. The department aims to reduce both violent and property crime by 10% in the coming year.

Key elements of her strategy include:

• Increasing officer recruitment and retention
• Enhancing technology integration
• Strengthening community partnerships
• Improving response times
• Developing new crime prevention programs

The department seeks a $307 million budget to support these initiatives. This funding would support continued recruitment efforts and technological advancement programs.

Leadership Style and Department Vision

Davis emphasizes transformational policing and community engagement. Her approach combines research-driven strategies with practical applications of modern policing tools.

Her leadership philosophy centers on:

• Holistic interagency collaboration
• Technology-driven solutions
• Predictive policing methods
• Leadership development
• Strong community relationships

She advocates for procedural justice through action and diversity in the police force. These principles guide her strategic focus and departmental initiatives.

Professional Affiliations and Recognition

Davis maintains active roles in several professional organizations:

• Board member of Major Cities Chiefs (MCCA)
• Board member of International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
• Past President of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)

Her educational background includes:

• Graduate of the 225th Session of the National FBI Academy
• Senior management training at Police Executive Research Forum
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
• Master’s degree in General Administration

Notable awards and recognition:

• Atlanta Police Supervisor of the Year
• Featured in OPRAH ‘O’ Magazine for “Women Rule” competition
• Named among Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women
• Recognized for establishing “Sisters-In-Law” women’s mentoring initiative

Davis serves as a subject matter expert on police reform. She has testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and appeared on national media outlets including:

• Good Morning America
• CNN
• Other major networks

Her expertise extends to international law enforcement. She completed training at:

• Emergency Preparedness College in York, England
• Leadership exchange session with Israel National Police in Tel Aviv

Community and Personal Life

Beyond her professional duties, Davis maintains strong personal connections. She has been married to Terry Davis, a retired law enforcement officer, for 30 years. Together they have one daughter.

She regularly engages in public speaking on:

• Leadership development
• Organizational change
• Strategic planning
• Community policing initiatives

Davis continues to advocate for improved police-community relations. Her vision emphasizes building trust while maintaining effective law enforcement practices.

Departmental Changes Under Davis’s Leadership

The Memphis Police Department underwent significant structural changes since Davis took command. Her focus on modernization brought new approaches to law enforcement strategies.

Davis reorganized several key operational areas. The changes aim to improve efficiency and community response. The restructuring touched multiple department divisions and units.

The department now emphasizes data-driven policing. This method helps officers target high-crime areas more effectively. It also allows better resource allocation across Memphis’s nine precincts.

Technology Integration and Modern Policing

Under Davis’s leadership, MPD expanded its technological capabilities. The Connect2Memphis camera network stands as a prime example of this modernization effort. This system connects thousands of cameras across the city.

Key technology initiatives include:

• Real-time crime monitoring systems
• Enhanced data analysis tools
• Improved communication networks
• Digital evidence management
• Advanced patrol car technology

These improvements help officers respond faster to incidents. They also provide better evidence collection and crime prevention capabilities.

Training and Professional Development Programs

Davis implemented comprehensive training programs for MPD officers. These programs focus on modern policing techniques and community relations.

Key training areas include:

• De-escalation techniques
• Cultural sensitivity
• Crisis intervention
• Advanced technology usage
• Leadership development
• Community engagement skills

The department maintains strict standards for officer conduct. Regular training updates keep officers current with best practices and new procedures.

Budget Management and Resource Allocation

Davis oversees one of the largest police department budgets in the region. The proposed $307 million budget reflects careful planning and prioritization.

Major budget allocations focus on:

• Officer recruitment and retention
• Equipment modernization
• Training programs
• Technology upgrades
• Community outreach initiatives
• Administrative operations

Each budget item aligns with specific departmental goals. Davis emphasizes transparent financial management and efficient resource use.

Community Engagement Strategies

Davis’s approach to community policing goes beyond traditional methods. She believes in building lasting relationships between officers and residents.

Community programs under her leadership include:

• Neighborhood watch partnerships
• Youth outreach initiatives
• Business security collaborations
• Community advisory boards
• Regular town hall meetings
• Public safety education programs

These programs help create stronger bonds between police and citizens. They also improve information sharing and crime prevention efforts.

Response to Public Safety Challenges

Memphis faces unique public safety challenges. Davis’s leadership strategy addresses both immediate concerns and long-term solutions.

Current focus areas include:

• Violent crime reduction
• Property crime prevention
• Gang activity intervention
• Drug enforcement
• Traffic safety improvement
• Neighborhood security

The department tracks progress through regular data analysis. This helps adjust strategies based on current crime trends and patterns.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

Davis maintains strong partnerships with various law enforcement agencies. These relationships enhance MPD’s effectiveness in fighting crime.

Key partnerships include:

• Federal law enforcement agencies
• State police departments
• Neighboring jurisdictions
• Social service organizations
• Mental health providers
• Community support groups

These collaborations help address complex criminal activities. They also provide additional resources for major investigations.

Crisis Management and Emergency Response

Under Davis’s leadership, MPD developed improved crisis response protocols. These procedures help handle major incidents effectively.

Emergency response improvements include:

• Faster response times
• Better coordination between units
• Enhanced communication systems
• Improved public notification
• Strategic resource deployment
• Clear command structures

These protocols proved crucial during various critical situations. They help ensure efficient emergency management across the city.

Future Vision for Memphis Police Department

Davis’s plans for MPD’s future focus on continuous improvement. She aims to create a more effective and community-oriented department.

Future initiatives include:

• Expanded technology integration
• Enhanced officer training
• Stronger community partnerships
• Improved crime prevention methods
• Better resource utilization
• Advanced data analysis systems

These plans align with modern policing trends while addressing Memphis’s specific needs.

Impact on Memphis Law Enforcement

Davis’s leadership brought significant changes to Memphis policing. Her influence extends beyond daily operations to long-term department culture.

Notable impacts include:

• Modernized policing methods
• Improved community relations
• Enhanced officer training
• Better resource management
• Stronger accountability measures
• Advanced technological capabilities

These changes continue to shape MPD’s development and effectiveness.

Professional Development and Mentorship

Davis emphasizes officer development and career advancement. She implemented several programs to support officer growth.

Professional development opportunities include:

• Leadership training programs
• Specialized skill development
• Advanced certification courses
• Mentorship initiatives
• Career advancement paths
• Educational partnerships

These programs help build a more skilled and professional police force.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The Memphis Police Department faces both challenges and opportunities. Davis’s leadership continues to adapt to changing circumstances.

Current focus areas include:

• Reducing violent crime rates
• Improving officer retention
• Enhancing community trust
• Modernizing equipment
• Strengthening partnerships
• Developing new strategies

These priorities guide department planning and resource allocation.

Through strategic planning and community engagement, Davis works to create a more effective police department. Her leadership continues to shape law enforcement in Memphis, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term improvements.