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Memphis has become a beacon of hope and a model for tackling violent crime in urban areas across the United States, according to a seasoned law enforcement expert. This transformation is largely credited to the city’s strategic approach to crime reduction.
Recent statistics from the Memphis Police Department reveal a significant achievement: a more than 40% decrease in violent crime so far in 2026 compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. This remarkable downturn follows the establishment of the Memphis Safe Task Force, initiated by President Trump, which unites local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies along with the Tennessee National Guard.
See how much Memphis crime has dropped in 2026 vs. 2025:
- Overall violent crime: -40.52%
- Aggravated assault: -28.14%
- Arson: -33.33%
- Burglary: -28.06%
- Homicide: -36%
- Larceny: -39.07%
- Motor vehicle theft: -63.98%
- Robbery: -44.96%
- Sexual assault: -27.43%
Federal officers have become a fixture at key locations like the intersection of Beale Street and North Second Street in Memphis, following the deployment of the National Guard by President Trump in October 2025.
“Memphis is absolutely a blueprint for other cities around the nation,” declared Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, in an interview with Fox News Digital. She emphasized the vital collaboration among various levels of law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges, suggesting that such a cooperative model should be considered by other cities plagued by high crime rates.
Historically, Memphis has held an unenviable reputation as one of the most perilous cities in the U.S., but this narrative is beginning to shift, according to Smith. The Memphis Safe Task Force has been pivotal in this change, having conducted over 7,400 arrests related to homicides, sexual offenses, gang activities, and drug trafficking, as reported by the White House. Additionally, authorities have confiscated 1,219 illegal firearms and successfully located 150 missing children, marking significant strides in ensuring public safety.
Since the Memphis Safe Task Force was formed, over 7,400 arrests tied to homicides, sexual offenses, gang violence and drug trafficking have been made, according to the White House. Authorities have also seized 1,219 illegal weapons and located 150 missing children.
Federal agents first arrived in Memphis in September as part of the task force.
A Memphis Police Department officer patrols with National Guard members in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 10, 2025, amid President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal law enforcement officers. (George Walker IV/AP)
“The results are undeniable — proof that strong leadership, tough enforcement, and zero tolerance for criminals deliver real public safety and transform communities,” the White House said in a press release.
Residents are feeling the improvement as well.
Bobby Hardin, a Memphis resident, told Action 5 News that crime in the city isn’t as bad as it was before.
“I can say it’s gotten better now with comparison. I’ve never seen it as bad as it was two years ago,” Hardin said.
Members of the 117th Military Police Battalion of the National Guard and a Memphis police officer conduct a community safety patrol at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tenn., on Oct. 12, 2025. (George Walker IV/AP)
For the first time since 2019, fewer than 200 murders were recorded in 2025, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Smith said she thinks the show of force by law enforcement is contributing to the decline in crime.
“People in uniform showing themselves making arrests, taking people to jail is one of the biggest deterrents that you can have when it comes to crime,” Smith said. “And then if those people arrested are prosecuted, are sent to jail, and the word gets out that if you get arrested, you’re going to go to jail. You’re going to not be back in the neighborhood in six hours, committing the same crimes.”
She also drew a direct parallel between the success seen in Memphis to what is being seen in Washington, D.C., saying the two are “similar.”
President Donald Trump hands a signed presidential memorandum to Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Bill Hagerty in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg)
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime in Washington, D.C. is down by 5% in 2026 compared to 2025, but saw a 29% drop in 2025 compared to 2024. President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C. in August.
Homicides are down by 53% in 2026 compared to 2025, according to the data.
