Latest news with #PublicSafetyPartnership
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Memphis deserves better than soundbites, surveillance and supercomputers
(Photo: Memphis Police Department Facebook page) In a recent public statement, FBI Director Kash Patel declared that Memphis is the 'homicide capital of America per capita' and vowed to send in federal agents to help curb the violence. This sensationalist framing is not only factually misleading — it's politically loaded and dangerously reminiscent of the failed tough-on-crime tactics that have destabilized Black communities for generations. While headlines grab the public's attention, they rarely tell the whole story. Memphis deserves better than soundbites, surveillance, and Silicon Valley saviors. To understand why Patel's approach is so problematic, we have to rewind to 2017. That year, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions came to Memphis with the same drumbeat: increased crime, more federal help. Memphis was entered into the Department of Justice's 'Public Safety Partnership,' supposedly to offer tools, data, and strategy to reduce violence. For a moment in 2018, there was a modest dip in violent crime. But by 2019 — before the pandemic — those numbers were climbing again. And by 2020, Memphis experienced one of its most violent years on record, with homicides jumping nearly 50%. FBI Director Kash Patel called Memphis the 'homicide capital of America' and said he's sending federal agents to the city. But this isn't the first time the federal government has intervened with strategies to purportedly reduce violence, and there's been no meaningful investments in the community. So what did that federal intervention actually achieve? If we're honest, not much. No meaningful investments in community infrastructure. No reform of policing practices. No shift in the culture of punishment that undergirds our public safety systems. Just more boots on the ground, more guns on the street, and more people funneled into an already-bloated criminal justice system. We have more police per capita than cities like Nashville, and yet our violent crime rate remains higher. Why? Because it's not just about the number of officers — it's about what they do, how they're trained and who they're accountable to. The Memphis Police Department doesn't need more officers — it needs better practices, more transparency and real accountability. But those conversations keep getting swept under the rug, even in the wake of one of the most horrifying public tragedies in recent memory: the murder of Tyre Nichols. That trial, still fresh in our collective conscience, was another missed opportunity. While five officers stood accused of Nichols's death, the case largely avoided a deeper examination of the systemic and cultural failures within MPD. The DOJ's own report — released in December 2024 — confirmed what many of us already knew: Memphis police have engaged in unconstitutional, racially biased and violent practices for years. These patterns weren't new; they were just well-documented for the first time by federal investigators. And now, we're expected to believe that sending more federal agents — this time from the FBI, under the guise of public safety — will solve what decades of over-policing have only exacerbated? We cannot ignore that this is happening at the same time that billion-dollar tech projects are rolling into town. Elon Musk's xAI supercomputer project and Google's data center development are being touted as signs of economic progress for Memphis. And to be fair, the arrival of such large-scale, high-tech investments does represent an opportunity. But history reminds us that opportunity alone does not guarantee equity. These projects often consume massive tracts of land, place significant strain on community resources like water and electricity and promise jobs that never quite reach the neighborhoods most impacted by generational poverty and systemic neglect. That's why we must be vigilant — not just skeptical, but strategic. As these projects break ground, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they do not deepen the displacement and disenfranchisement of longtime residents — especially Black and working-class families in Westwood, Box Town and Whitehaven. Instead, we must leverage these developments to create environmental safeguards, sustainable job pipelines and enforceable community benefit agreements that protect the people, not just the profit margins of corporations. When powerful institutions — federal agencies, multinational corporations and complicit local officials — collaborate without community input or accountability, we don't get innovation. We get exploitation dressed up in progress. That's how the tragic cycles of the past repeat themselves:under new names and slicker branding. So what do we do? We resist the temptation to let outsiders dictate our future. We interrogate the narratives sold to us by elected and appointed officials who stage ribbon-cuttings instead of enacting reforms. We advocate for violence prevention, not just response. We demand that corporate development be paired with ethical obligations: equitable hiring, environmental responsibility and public transparency. And we push back — forcefully and faithfully — against the idea that more federal law enforcement is the path to peace. Let's be clear: Memphis doesn't need more surveillance and suppression. We need resources, repair, and a renewed social contract rooted in justice, dignity and self-determination. Anything less is just 'copaganda.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A new program is tackling mental health 911 calls in OKC. What is Mobile Integrated Health?
A new program providing an alternative response to mental health-related 911 calls has been officially launched in Oklahoma City. Mobile Integrated Healthcare — an Oklahoma City Fire Department program developed through the city's Public Safety Partnership — is meant to divert mental health emergency calls away from police and toward trained behavioral health professionals who can better address the caller's needs. As Assistant City Manager Jason Ferbrache puts it, not every emergency call needs a police response. Recent demands for police reform have compelled law enforcement to reexamine how certain emergencies might be better addressed by mental health workers, freeing police to instead focus on other problems and serious crimes. 'There are calls that come in that really are specifically behavioral health in nature, and so as a city, we now have the staff to respond, especially in that area, to help folks who are experiencing behavioral issues,' said Ferbrache, who oversees the city's police and fire departments and law enforcement policy implementation. 'The other plus side to that is, if we have staff dedicated to responding to 911 calls involving behavioral health, that adds capacity to our other first responders, police, fire and EMSA, that can deal with those life-threatening emergencies — so it's really a twofold approach.' Related: Oklahoma City demonstrates progress for mental health services in new report Mobile Integrated Healthcare, which has been in development since last year, is a response to 39 recommendations on eight topics made to Oklahoma City officials in 2022. The recommendations — a result of the work of the mayor's Law Enforcement Policy Task Force, the Community Policing Working Group and the city-hired consultant 21CP Solutions — ranged from prioritizing de-escalation, improving officer wellness and exploring alternative responses to mental health calls. Demands for an alternative public safety response to behavioral health issues grew out of increased calls for police reform in Oklahoma City, which heightened after local and nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020. For the past two years, the city's Public Safety Partnership has involved community stakeholders, city officials and law enforcement collaborating on how to enact the recommended reforms. Andrea Grayson, the Public Safety Partnership's implementation manager, said Mobile Integrated Healthcare expands two programs that had been in place at the fire department: the Overdose Response Team formed in 2023 and the Community Advocacy Program begun in 2019. More: What is OKC's plan for reform following DOJ inquiry into mental health emergency calls? 'There was also a specific recommendation that we determine existing community resources and capacity for an alternative response model in the community,' Grayson said. 'And in doing the research, we made the determination to keep that in-house and to build and launch Mobile Integrated Health. It was really just a natural progression and an organic development, because the fire department already had those health programs that were already set up, and it just made sense.' The city started staffing Mobile Integrated Healthcare in late 2024 with a 27-member team, including a program manager, clinicians, paramedics, response navigators and peer recovery support specialists. The city also purchased vans specially fitted to serve residents experiencing mental health crises. There are four subteams that make up Mobile Integrated Healthcare, which include: The Crisis Call Diversion Team embedded at the 911 Call Center, helping to provide de-escalation, stabilization and support for callers in need of mental health service; The Crisis Response Team, responding to mental health emergencies where a person might be showing signs of being a risk to themselves or others; The Alternative Response Team that continues working overdose responses, as well as less-severe behavioral and mental health calls; and The Community Advocacy Program, which helps individuals who frequently call 911 for nonemergency needs get connected to community resources that can better serve them. Related: A look at the effort to expand mental health workers' role in policing The teams were recognized during a May 6 ceremony officially launching Mobile Integrated Healthcare at Oklahoma City Fire Department Station No. 1, 820 NW Fifth St. 'We're about public services, we're about meeting the needs of our community, but what we most importantly have is stepping into space and putting the right people in the right place,' said Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley. 'And what I'm really proud of is this being a behavioral health forward program that really has excellent people that are first class. They're experts in their area that are passionate about serving others.' Lori Brown-Loftis, who became program manager in September, has worked in the mental health field for 16 years. She said the Mobile Health team members have been working in a 'soft launch' capacity since January, trying to become accustomed to working with the different resources in different settings with limited hours, and was excited to see the program officially launch. Mobile Integrated Healthcare now operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The program manager said there are plans to extend operating hours in the future. 'I feel like being able to provide mental health treatment in a trauma-informed way in the community, helping people stay in the least restrictive environment — I'm incredibly passionate about that,' Brown-Loftis said. 'It's been such an incredible and exciting thing to be a part of something brand new in Oklahoma City. It's so needed, and I'm just glad to be a part of it, honestly, and to help sort of shape how Oklahoma City is responding to people who are struggling with mental health.' More: OKCPD sees decrease in mental health calls directed to police, partly due to 988 success The program also was developed with guidance from the city's Crisis Intervention Advisory Group, a committee of mental and behavioral health experts, social service providers, clinicians, academics and community advocates who were brought in to help ensure best practices are being followed. Jessica Hawkins, director of community initiatives at the nonprofit Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, is the lead facilitator for the Crisis Intervention Advisory Group. She said the committee meets regularly to be briefed on the progress of the mobile health teams, who have already had 'an incredible impact' responding to hundreds of calls in the past few months. 'This allows for an opportunity to keep law enforcement in the field doing what they do in the space of public safety,' Hawkins said. 'They've already realized quite a bit of time and cost savings, I know, by not having to dispatch police into situations where they're not the best responder, and this is just going to continue to go up and up and be a big win for the city and the residents.' Hawkins also said it was refreshing to see Oklahoma City leadership investing real time, money and effort into finding solutions for behavioral and mental health issues. She has long advocated for establishing protective factors that can prevent harmful problems from happening to residents in the first place. 'Life happens, and people have circumstances mostly out of their control that lead them into a situation of distress,' Hawkins said, 'and if we can intervene appropriately as early as possible, with the best possible care applied to what's happening for that person, we can prevent these events from happening ever again.' This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mobile Integrated Healthcare responding to mental health calls in OKC
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Caddo Parish leaders unite in Baton Rouge for joint legislation
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – On Thursday, April 24th, more than 80 leaders from across Caddo Parish traveled together to Baton Rouge to engage directly with cabinet departments and members of the legislature on behalf of the citizens of Caddo Parish, according to a press release. 'We were delighted to be able to bring so many of our local leaders to Baton Rouge for this inaugural event,' said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. 'This is the first time in recent memory that we have brought the needs of Shreveport and Caddo Parish to Baton Rouge as a group.' SPD hosts Gary, Indiana police officers as part of Public Safety Partnership Organizations included Caddo Parish administrators and commissioners, Shreveport administration and council members, Shreveport Police and Fire Departments, District Attorney's Office, Caddo Schools administration and School Board members, Caddo Sheriff, Shreveport City Marshall, Port of Caddo-Bossier, LSUS, NLCOG, NLEP, Red River Waterway Commission, Caddo Levee District, Caddo Head Start, Town of Vivian, Village of Ida, and Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber and the Greater Shreveport Chamber. 'Caddo Parish Day at the Capitol is all about collaboration,' said Caddo Parish Administrator/CEO Erica R. Bryant. 'When leaders from across our parish come together to engage our state agencies and legislators, the conversations and solutions that result allow us to align our priorities and work toward solutions that ultimately help us improve the quality of life for our residents.' Louisianans honored for art, service at Community Awards Ceremony The release added that participants met with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson, and representatives from the Office of the Governor, Attorney General, Juvenile Justice, and Department of Transportation. 'Education is the foundation of a strong Louisiana, and it's important that our voices are heard at the Capitol,' said Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. 'For us, Caddo Parish Day provided a critical opportunity to ensure our Board Members and school leaders are at the table with agency heads and lawmakers, sharing what our students need and how we can move faster to help them succeed.' Leaders gather to celebrate business growth at annual chamber banquet in Marshall Attendees also visited the Capitol, witnessed legislative activity, and met with members of the Northwest Louisiana Delegation to share specific requests. 'By aligning the outreach of our School Board, City Council, and Parish Commission with members of our business community, we are showcasing for the administration and the legislature the collaborative approach we are taking to improving our community,' said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. 'With the tremendous turnout and success of this inaugural effort, our goal is to make this an annual event that will grow in size and impact year after year.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Yahoo
Raleigh city officials announce new chief of police
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The City of Raleigh has announced its newest chief of police for the Raleigh Police Department. Rico Boyce, the deputy of administration for Raleigh police, was named the new 31st chief of police Friday afternoon by City of Raleigh Manager Marchell Adams-David. 'We are pleased to announce that our national search process has identified someone who has served Raleigh for more than two decades as our next Chief of Police. Rico Boyce has demonstrated that he knows how to effectively work with the community, and our process demonstrated the trust the community and the police department have in him,' Adams-David said. PREVIOUSLY: Raleigh police chief announces retirement after 3 years on the job As police chief, Boyce will lead the department in more than 900 personnel with 792 sworn officer positions. He takes over leadership of the federal Public Safety Partnership efforts and the Violent Crime Action Plan with federal and law enforcement partners. One of his first goals as chief of police is to enhance relationships, trust and engagement with the community and create a level of transparency to keep Raleigh safe. 'I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout my entire career with the Raleigh Police Department. I am deeply thankful to City Manager Marchell Adams-David for the incredible opportunity to finish my career as the Raleigh chief of police,' Boyce said, 'It is truly an honor, and I am excited to continue serving the greatest officers in the world while building lasting relationships with our amazing community members. I am grateful for Chief Patterson's mentorship and guidance, and I look forward to building upon the remarkable work she has done as chief.' Rick Armstrong, the vice President of Teamsters Local 391 which represents officers, said his members made it clear they wanted Boyce to be the next chief. He still remembers Boyce's early years with the department. 'I was on when he was hired,' Armstrong said. 'I remember distinctly him working as a School Resource Officer in the Southeast District, Southeast High School, I believe. I remember him being very committed and dedicated to the job.' CBS 17 asked Armstrong what he thinks Boyce's biggest challenge will be in his new job, Armstrong said, 'Like [Boyce] said in the interview, recruitment and retention has been the number one challenge for Chief Patterson. I think it's going to continue to be a challenge for Chief Boyce.' When it comes to recruitment and retention, Armstrong hopes implementing recommendations from a city wide salary study that's underway will help. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said the city will have that information in March. Cowell also said she's excited to work alongside the new chief. 'In my first few months as mayor, I've gotten to interact a lot with Chief Boyce,' she said. 'He's incredibly positive. I have gotten so many emails from folks saying we love Chief Boyce, we think he'd be amazing.' Boyce began his law enforcement career nearly 25 years ago becoming a part of the Raleigh Police Department's 76th Police Academy. As the previous deputy police chief of administration, Boyce oversaw administrative services and internal affairs, according to the City of Raleigh. Boyce will bring a deep familiarity with Raleigh to his role. After three years as a patrol officer, he served as a school resource officer and later moved to the Gang Suppression Unit. He later earned ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, watch commander and then captain in the Southeast District. Boyce is also a member of several professional and civic organizations such as N.O.B.L.E. (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and several others. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Pfeiffer University. Boyce will begin his duties as police chief on March 1 and will be sworn in as Raleigh's 31st police chief later in the month, according to city officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
