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Memphis lawmaker asks gov to put Guard under police chief command • Tennessee Lookout [1]

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Date: 2025-09-18

A Memphis lawmaker who opposes the deployment of National Guard troops to the city’s streets is urging Tennessee’s governor to place them under the “direct leadership” of the local police chief.

Democratic Rep. Jesse Chism said he recognizes the “seriousness” of Memphis’ public safety problems but wants to make sure troops ordered to Memphis by President Donald Trump, with the approval of Gov. Bill Lee, work with city police rather than undermining the force.

“The National Guard should supplement trained law enforcement, not replace it,” said Chism, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, in a letter to Lee.

Memphis Police statistics show crime is down some 22% over the last year, because of new strategies and community efforts, he said.

“It is vital that these gains are not lost and that our city is not made to look or feel like a military state. Residents need to see that this deployment is about reinforcing their safety, not instilling fear,” Chism’s letter said.

Backed by Lee, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and federal officials, Trump set up a “Memphis Safe Task Force” this week and directed the Tennessee National Guard to the majority Black city. The force will include the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Trump is further testing the bounds of the law by ordering troops to a city. At least one appeals court found his deployment of the California National Guard to Los Angeles amid protests over his immigration policies was illegal.

Chism is requesting the force be placed under the direction of Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis. He points out Memphis officers have the expertise to deal with local residents and should lead a coordinated effort.

In addition, Chism asked federal and state governments to keep providing resources for law enforcement, community programs and other initiatives that strengthen schools and economic opportunities.

While Chism is calling for a “unified command,” Memphis City Council member Jerri Green, a Democratic candidate for governor, introduced a resolution with five colleagues urging Lee to reverse his stance and stop Guard troops from going into Memphis.

Sending in troops is not a solution – it distracts from the real work of tackling poverty, strengthening families and creating opportunity. – Memphis Councilmember Jerri Green

With a vote expected Sept. 25, she is backed by Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), Memphis for All, labor unions and Tennessee Immigration & Refugee Rights Coalition.

“Public safety comes from opportunity not occupation,” Green said in a statement. “Sending in troops is not a solution – it distracts from the real work of tackling poverty, strengthening families and creating opportunity.”

The League of Women Voters at local, state and national levels also opposed the deployment, saying Memphis is the “latest target” of the Trump administration’s attack on U.S. cities, despite a reduction in crime and without consultation with Shelby County and Memphis officials. The American Civil Liberties Union criticized the move as well.

Shelby County’s Republican lawmakers have largely supported the troop deployment to Memphis.

Republican Rep. John Gillespie of Memphis filed House Bill 1445 Wednesday creating a fund to recruit law enforcement officers to departments with 10% vacancies. A release from the House Republican Caucus said Memphis hit a 20-year low in police staffing this year, according to the Memphis Police Association.

Lawmakers would need to approve the funding, and the state treasurer could invest money to bolster grants.

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