A federal task force designed to make Memphis safer is facing scrutiny after two deadly shootings by law enforcement in one week. The task force, which combines local law enforcement with the National Guard, state troopers, and several federal agencies, was created to lower the city’s crime rates.

Background

The task force was announced by President Donald Trump in September, with the goal of reducing violent crime in Memphis. The city has faced high levels of violent crime, with the highest violent crime rate last year among US cities with a population over 250,000, according to a review of FBI data.

However, critics of the task force say that it has not been effective in reducing crime, and that the presence of armed troops on the streets has created a sense of unease and fear among residents. The task force has been involved in five shootings, including two this week, and opponents say that there is a lack of accountability and transparency in the task force’s operations.

Community Reaction

Residents of Memphis are expressing concern and frustration with the task force’s presence in their city. Some have reported feeling intimidated and harassed by the task force, and there are concerns about the impact on the city’s immigrant community. The ACLU of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit accusing the task force of abusing a state law that allows law enforcement to order civilians to stay away from crime scenes.

Despite the controversy, the task force has reported a 40% drop in serious crimes, including murder and sexual assault, in Memphis over the last 10 months. The task force has also made over 10,000 arrests, according to a spokesperson.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.