What to Know: Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act
-March 24, 2026-
-Part of our “What to Know” series—created by the Public Affairs Division to provide clear, fact-based information on issues that impact our community.-
Frequently Asked Questions (Facts & Process)
We’ve received questions about how Safe Task Force cases are handled and what this proposed legislation would do. Below is a clear explanation of the process based on law, policy, and current practice.
1. Are Safe Task Force cases already being prosecuted?
Yes.
Cases connected to the Memphis Safe Task Force are:
Prosecuted using the same legal standards as any other case
Reviewed based on evidence, applicable law, and ethical obligations
Handled alongside cases from local law enforcement partners
2. Does the District Attorney’s Office already track and report case outcomes?
Yes.
Under Tennessee law, District Attorney’s Offices already:
Maintain detailed case records
Track case outcomes
Provide required reporting through established systems
3. Does every arrest result in prosecution?
No.
An arrest does not automatically mean a case can move forward in court.
For prosecution to proceed:
There must be sufficient admissible evidence
The case must meet legal standards required for prosecution
Prosecutors must follow ethical rules that prohibit pursuing cases that cannot be proven
4. What would the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act require?
If passed, the bill would:
Require additional reporting on certain Safe Task Force cases
Require that information to be submitted within a defined timeframe
(currently amended from 24 hours to one week)
5. Does this bill change how cases are prosecuted?
No.
The bill does not change:
The legal standard required to charge or prosecute a case
The burden of proof in court
The ethical responsibilities of prosecutors
It focuses on reporting requirements, not prosecution decisions.
6. How would this impact the District Attorney’s Office day-to-day?
If enacted, the bill would:
Add additional reporting requirements beyond current systems
Require staff to compile and submit information within a set timeframe
Increase administrative workload related to documentation and reporting
7. Who is responsible for public safety outcomes?
Public safety is a shared responsibility involving:
Law enforcement
Prosecutors
Courts
Community and state partners
The District Attorney’s Office plays a role within this broader system.
8. What should the public take away from this?
Safe Task Force cases are already reviewed and prosecuted under existing law
Not all arrests result in prosecution due to legal standards and evidence requirements
The proposed legislation focuses on additional reporting, not changes to how cases are handled in court
“What to Know” is a public information series created by the Public Affairs Division to provide clear, fact-based information on issues that impact our community.