In case you missed it in the paper today, Police wash away tough-guy stigma

From the article:

The public seldom hears from officers thrust into what are known as “critical incidents” — traumatic deaths and injuries, at times even caused by decisions an officer makes.

Traditionally, cops rarely talked about the emotional toll that the incidents take on their own lives. Like macho Western movie actor John Wayne, they clammed up and kept going. Talking about it would make them appear weak.

Higher-than-average rates of suicide, alcoholism, divorce and shorter-than-average life expectancies followed.

In case you missed it yesterday, Council committee says yes to study of merging police forces.

From the article…

The city resolution describes the plan as a way to reduce violent crime while spending tax money more efficiently.

It acknowledges the 2003 recommendation by the Memphis Crime Commission against consolidation, but notes, “other factors should now be considered such as current crime rate, relationship between the departments and present successes and failures of other consolidated law enforcement departments.”

What do you think? Will combining the two police forces affect crime in Shelby County?

Just in case you missed it in the paper on Sunday, Millington is experiencing a crime rate similar to Memphis’ high rate. For the most part, the incident’s aren’t nearly as violent in Millington as they are in Memphis.

From the article…

Unlike in Memphis, its big-city neighbor to the south, violent crime is not a fearful issue in Millington.

In 2006, Millington recorded no murders, three rapes, 19 robberies and 58 aggravated assaults, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime statistics.

Compare that with Memphis, which logged nearly 150 murders, 427 rapes, 5,341 robberies and 7,690 aggravated assaults for the year.

What do you think can be done to help curtail crime in Millington? Leave a comment.

Link: Millington mirrors Memphis in offenses per 1,000 residents