Windward Slopes

I encourage all who are concerned about crime to attend the Nov 18 City Council mtg.  By doing so, we'll show support for a resolution to change the residency restrictions for hiring new police officers.  Your presence could change the council's thinking and allow the hiring of up to 500 additional police officers.

This email was received from Councilman Reid Hedgepeth today-

Fellow Concerned Memphians,

In response to the reports of crime I have recently been sent by my
constituents, I want you to know that the number one issue in my
campaign and as a council member is fighting crime.  To that end, I am
once again putting forward my resolution to allow police officers to
live within a 20 mile radius of Shelby County.  Expanding residency
restrictions is the most expedient way to recruit the additional
qualified officers that this city needs to protect her citizens,
especially those with job experience.  MPD has superior pay and benefits
relative to other jurisdictions in the tri-state area, and yet police
departments nationwide are struggling to get good officers.  Everyone is
trying to fill the same job; therefore this is certainly not a time to
limit our applicant pool with residency restrictions.

My resolution will be voted on by the full city council on November 18.
This resolution has already been opposed by 7 out of the 13 City Council
members for insufficient reasons, and we desperately need one of those 7
to change their vote.  I urge you to come to the meeting that day and to
fill out a card to speak in support of the resolution . The council
meeting will be at 3:30pm in the council chambers, lobby level of City
Hall, 125 N. Main, 38103.  Public parking is available at MudIsland and
in the 100 North Main garage.  I will not ask for your time or presence
at a council meeting very often, but I need your help to enact change.
I believe we must take action now for the future of our city, and if you
are as frustrated as I am by the lack of appropriate action in this
matter, please plan to attend and make your voice heard!

Thanks and Take Care,

Reid Hedgepeth

This is so important for the future of our city.  Please send copies of this to all of your friends.  Come show your support for our police department.

As most of you know, our council did NOT pass this resolution.  I sent an email to the persons who voted against it.  If you would like to send an email to the ones who voted this down here are their addresses.

harold.collins@memphistn.gov

wanda.halbert@memphistn.gov

edmund.fordjr@memphistn.gov

swearengen.ware@memphistn.gov

janis.fullilove@memphistn.gov      don't expect to get an answer from her she's in rehab

myron.lowery@memphistn.gov

joe brown's email is not posted but i think it would be

joe.brown@memphistn.gov