DISPATCHERS SOUND OFF

What do you think could be done to decrease crime in Memphis?

" Improve the sentencing laws, especially with juveniles that commit felonies." -

Yentl Evans

"I believe that the largest immediate impact would have to come from the judicial branch. Start holding folks accountable for their actions when we catch them. More than once juvenile court has sent kids home because they don't have room. Recidivism is a big part of the problem in this city and as we see with the auto thefts, vandalisms and thefts from vehicles, a lot of them are starting young, even as early as age twelve." -

Andrew Byrd

" Open a juvenile holding facility, since the kids are committing the most crimes and we know we have nowhere to keep them."

Kaitlyn Woods

" Schools should provide electronic or computer science classes for teens that participate in taking Kias and show them how to put that skill to good use." -

Curlandius Mabone

" These kids don't have anybody to motivate them and there are limited programs for the younger generation to get involved in. They are looking at these rappers, listening to the lyrics and think that's the life.. .committing crime. I remember when I was younger I was involved in Girl Scouts and the DARE program. We took a lot of field trips. Once we stayed on campus at the University of Memphis for a week. It was a mixture of kids around the same age from different schools. We had contests, went camping, made jewelry, etc. I think that if kids had a safe space that taught them positive things that would help." -

Jillian Graham

"Harsher punishment for repeat offenders. Follow the three strikes rule. If a juvenile commits a violent crime they should be tried as an adult, regardless of age. Stop decreasing bail/bonds for those responsible for violent offenses and putting them back on the street to commit the same crimes." - Emily

Beilstein

"

Increased consequences/jail time for crimes such as but not limited to DUI, domestic violence, carjackings, shootings, violation of protection order, etc

Increase bail bonds, ( if there must be a bond) for serious offenses.

Re-evaluate gun laws

Citizens need to be held accountable for carelessness with guns and causing harm or death to children

The community needs to be consistent with reporting suspicious/criminal activity and get involved in events/activities that promote healthy neighborhoods.

Linda Hollingsworth

" I think a big part of it is respect for authority is not taught in the home anymore and I don't know how to fix that. We need more police, but that will cost more money. It's not a positively-viewed position anymore. Too much is blamed on the police. " - Jenny Rice

" It's sad, but true that a vast majority of crimes in Memphis are committed by our youth. In my opinion, this is due in part to a lack of activities and resources available to them to occupy their minds and their time. Additionally, I believe, we as a community have failed to pour into our adolescent counterparts and that very disregard has created neglected children that seek attention by "any means necessary." This ultimately has dire consequences, not only for them, but for this city as a whole. When I was growing up, outside of school, my time was consumed with after-school activities such as majorette, cheerleading, and volleyball at my local community center. These endeavors allowed me the ability to develop leadership skills and to learn the importance of teamwork. Currently this city offers little to no fun and safe activities for our children." -

Shakeishalin Monroe