According to national crime statistics, Memphis leads the nation in murder rates despite a general decline in crime

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – This week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that violent crime has declined in 70 major cities across the country, including Memphis.

The government spoke of a “significant reduction,” but does that also apply to Bluff City?

The results come from the Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey, which collected crime data through the Uniform Crime Reporting program and the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System.

The crime statistics for the first six months of this year were compared with those for the first six months of 2023.

The figures show a decline in serious crime in Memphis, but the Bluff City still has the highest murder rate per capita in the country.

Dalia Gonzalez believes Memphis feels safer now than it did a year ago.

“Yes, I feel like crime has gone down since last year,” she told Action News 5, “but I feel like there's still a little work to be done. Of course, that comes with time.”

The Data on murder cases shows that Memphis recorded 129 in the first half of 2024, 17.3% A decrease from 156 in the same period last year.

In case of rape:

• In the first half of 2024, 167 cases were reported
• In the same period last year, 184 were reported. (9.2% decrease)

For robbery:

• In the first six months of 2024, 1,028 cases were reported
• 1,420 cases in the first half of 2023 (27.6% decrease)

Serious bodily harm is also declining, albeit only slightly:

• In the first half of 2024, 3,763 incidents were reported
• In the same period last year, 3,789 were reported. (0.7% decrease)

Despite the reduction, Memphis native Jamie Robson remains skeptical.

“I don't believe it,” she told Action News 5. “I see shootings in Memphis all the time.”

Look at the data again. From January to June 2024:

• Memphis (630,000 inhabitants) reported 129 murders
• Chicago (2.7 million inhabitants) recorded 271 murders
• Houston (2.3 million inhabitants) reported 148 murders
• Los Angeles (3.9 million inhabitants) had 155 murders

However, when the population of these cities is taken into account, Memphis continues to rank first in the nation for murder rates.

Although U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland spoke of a “historic decline in the murder rate last year” and a “nationwide 17% decrease in the murder rate this year,” Memphis residents are still frustrated with the city's murder rate.

Fearing crime, residents of Cordova are collecting signatures for secession from Memphis.

Communities across Memphis are looking for solutions.

“Well, the police also need help,” said one resident, “they can’t do it alone.”

“Especially with our youth,” says Dalia Gonzalez, “I feel like we as adults and older generations absolutely have to find a way to protect these children, keep them off the streets and give them a better life.”

The federal government has provided additional funding and staff and prosecutors in certain cities, including Memphis, tasked with arresting violent criminals, confiscating weapons and stopping drug trafficking.

“We will continue to work with our community partners,” said AG Garland, “to support life-saving initiatives aimed at preventing and stopping violence before it occurs.”

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