Memphis Police Department's Downtown Command Center is playing a significant role in reducing crime in the downtown area. According to Action News 5, the facility has been instrumental in preventing violence and supporting police in real-time during incidents. This was underscored by the July 4th incident where officers were shot at; however, none were injured thanks to a prompt response coordinated by the command center.
Since its inception, the command center has been proactive, using their surveillance system to quickly spot and respond to criminal activities. "Basically, the personnel in the DCC recognized that there was some suspicious activity and so they immediately start tuning into this area, start zooming in and they immediately saw weapons," Lt. Delwan Waller told Action News 5. It's this kind of rapid response capability that's expected to continue making a difference in crime dynamics downtown.
While the center has been a boon for surveillance and intervention, it has also greatly aided in identifying and arresting offenders. As reported by WREG, the command center's high-quality video footage has led to warrants for individuals like Christopher Criswell, a known repeat offender, for reckless driving. Colonel Willie Mathena, having a history with Criswell dating back to 2003, lauded the new system, saying, "So Christopher Criswell, he is a prolific offender, crime driver, he is a convicted felon."
Memphis Police Department's recent showcase included instances of reckless driving and a shootout, all captured by the high-tech camera system. In footage obtained by FOX13, viewers can see incidents that would otherwise go undetected or unprovable in a court of law. "We can see exactly what kind of bag this individual has, we can see what’s in his hand,” Lt. Waller demonstrated, showcasing the level of clarity the cameras provide.
Data reveals the center's impact: a comparison showing a drop in crimes such as homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and vehicle theft, from 74 incidents in 2024 to 66 since the center opened in April 2025, as documented by Action News 5. Yet, despite these advancements, MPD is conscious that technology does not replace the need for more officers, underscoring an ongoing recruitment drive aimed at bolstering their ranks and enhancing safety in Memphis.
