MPD Highlights Crime and Public Safety Efforts in Third Quarter of 2026

The Memphis Police Department continued to make progress in reducing crime and enhancing public safety during the third quarter of 2026. From July 1 to September 30, MPD focused on reducing violent crime, disrupting criminal organizations, apprehending fugitives, and leveraging technology and partnerships to address public safety concerns.

Compared to the third quarter of last year, overall, Part 1 crime is down 27%.

Homicide Clearance Rate Reaches 88%

The MPD Homicide Bureau achieved an 88% homicide clearance rate through the third quarter compared to a 57% clearance rate at the end of September 2025.

The increase reflects strengthened investigative capabilities and additional resources dedicated to investigating cases, developing leads, and identifying those responsible.

A dark blue Memphis Police Department graphic featuring the official Homicide Bureau emblem at the top. Below it, large bold white text reads “HOMICIDE BUREAU.” Centered prominently in the middle is “88%” in very large white numbers with gold outlines. Beneath that, smaller text reads “Homicide Clearance Rate.” At the bottom is a note stating “*As of September 2026.” The background includes a dark blue silhouette of the Memphis skyline with the river in the foreground.

Operation Pressure Point

During the third quarter, MPD’s Organized Crime Unit conducted Operation Pressure Point, an initiative focused on identifying and apprehending violent offenders and disrupting criminal activity.

The operation resulted in:

  • 246 arrests, including 208 felony arrests
  • 37 identified gang members representing 11 different gangs
  • 60 firearms recovered
  • 21 pounds of marijuana recovered
  • 15,000 pills recovered
  • 270 grams of fentanyl recovered

Along with MPD’s Organized Crime Unit, the Fugitive Unit continued to sustain the gains through proactive investigative operations.

By the end of the third quarter, MPD’s Fugitive Unit had made 948 arrests, including 809 felony arrests.

Interstates are Safer

MPD has seen a 47% decrease in interstate shootings in 2026.

The coordinated efforts of MPD’s Special Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU), in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, have increased visibility and enforcement on our interstates and contributed to safer roadways.

Drone as First Responder Program

Earlier this year, MPD launched its Drone as First Responder Program, providing officers with an additional resource to quickly assess calls for service and gain real-time situational awareness.

Between July 1 and September 30, MPD drones completed 746 flights. The program has strengthened MPD’s response capabilities by helping officers locate suspects and missing persons, assess active incidents, and provide critical information to officers responding to calls for service.

Legends Lounge

MPD worked with city officials and community partners to address locations that have become recurring sources of crime and calls for service.

Since March 15, 2023, Legends Lounge and its immediate surroundings have been the subject of numerous complaints and calls for service, including reports of a homicide, aggravated assaults involving firearms, vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles.

Following a written nuisance warning letter, additional criminal activity occurred. On August 9, 2026, MPD, and local and state partners conducted Operation Silent Night and executed a search warrant at the location. The operation uncovered signs of criminal activity and multiple safety violations and resulted in several arrests, along with the recovery of illegal narcotics, firearms, drug paraphernalia, illegal alcohol sales, and a large amount of currency.

Following additional acts of violence, MPD coordinated with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office to obtain a nuisance closure of Legends Lounge on September 24, 2026. The club remains closed.

A person wearing a black shirt with large white text reading “POLICE MPD ORGANIZED CRIME” is seen from behind while placing or removing a lock or chain on a glass door. On the door, a posted notice displays the seal of the District Attorney General for Shelby County, Tennessee. The notice reads: “CLOSED BY ORDER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COURT AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY GENERAL.” The scene is framed with a Memphis Police Department graphic border. At the bottom left is the MPD seal with text stating “Memphis Police Department, Established in 1827.” At the bottom right is the website “joinmpd.com” along with several social media icons.

While we are proud of the progress made this year, MPD remains focused on sustaining the gains and continuing to build a safer Memphis. These results reflect the dedication of our officers, investigators, and professional staff, as well as the partnership and support of Memphis residents, community organizations, and our local, state, and federal partners.

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