Over 300 accidents involving officers; more than half are not MPD’s fault

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – As reports show, there is a downward trend in violence and property crimes in Memphis, concerns remain about public safety and how officers may respond.

There are wrecked MPD cars all over the city. Between breakdowns and maintenance needs, the MPD fleet is shrinking.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 357 officer-involved crashes in Memphis, according to data provided by Memphis police.

According to MPD, this is the same number of accidents in the same period last year.

“I think we need to look at whether we can do better and whether we can put some safeguards in place,” said J.B. Smiley, president of the Memphis City Council.

In the face of numerous accidents and an aging fleet, city council members, the city of Memphis and MPD are trying to find ways to reduce crime and keep officers safe on the streets.

“Vehicles waiting to be brought into the shop, vehicles so old that they are constantly in the shop, so all of this has a huge impact on day-to-day operations,” said CJ Davis, interim chief of MPD

The impact Davis is talking about is also the impact city council members are concerned about.

“So that’s our focus, in this moment when everyone’s talking about public safety, is making sure that our officers on the front lines have what they need, which is cars that will allow them to go out and solve these crimes,” Jerri said Green, member of the Memphis City Council.

Although there were over 300 officer-involved accidents, only 116 MPD were at fault. According to data provided by MPD 241, MPD was not at fault.

Two MPD police cars collided on Wednesday while officers assisted with shooting at the scene.

The accident report shows that both cars suffered disabling damage.

The price of a new police car reaches thousands of dollars.

“You know, I think the average cost of a police car is 25 grand, we’re not sure if the cars are totaled or not, but from what I understand, if we lose cars in terms of strength, it hurts the city of Memphis,” Smiley said.

MPD says that in addition to defensive driver training hours, officers must also complete mandatory driver training every two years.

Additionally, according to the director of General Services, the city’s maintenance department recently hired 136 people to fill the positions of mechanics needed to get emergency vehicles back on the road.

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