As the NCAA Tournament gears up to slam dunk into Memphis, the local police department is ramping up its game plan for safety downtown. The Memphis Police Department is not taking any shots in the dark following a recent shooting on Beale Street—instead, they're increasing their presence and installing added safety measures to ensure the anticipated crowd of at least 20,000 people can enjoy the March Madness events without a hitch.
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) March 19, 2024
Downtown Safety Plan pic.twitter.com/d0cFpPJXf2
Policing strategies will include extra officers on the ground, more Blue Suede Brigade staff, and enhanced screening on Beale St., with the strategy to fully implement Wednesday, as reported by Action News 5. Locals and visitors alike are advised to get ready to see an uptick in law enforcement as well as a traffic plan designed to strictly limit access to certain streets within the entertainment district.
According to details released by the MPD and shared by FOX13 Memphis, the safety tactics will encompass bike and mounted officers, increased vigilance on Beale Street, and a vigilant Real Time Crime Center keeping an active eye on the spirited crowds. Downtown businesses are also stepping up to extend hours and boost lighting, contributing to a more lively and secure atmosphere for the hoops hype.
Amidst the backdrop of security concerns, Mayor-elect Paul Young stated, "People are scared in general. It’s not just downtown thing. In our city as a whole, we have seen far too many negative incidents," as recounted by WREG. The safety plan is building off a comprehensive 60-page document released last year by the city that called for increased law enforcement presence, improved lighting, additional security cameras, and adjusted closing times for Beale Street establishments.
The MPD and local authorities are making every shot count to ensure the NCAA tournament is remembered for its on-court action and not for off-court incidents. With the memory of recent violence still fresh, the police force is all set to deal out their full court press on crime for a city eagerly awaiting tip-off time. Attendees are reminded to use public parking areas and to avoid illegal parking to help keep the event's itinerary as smooth as possible.
