Man Receives Additional 50 Years to His Life Sentence for Child Abuse and Murder Case

Shelby County, TN—Today, Alan Johnson received an additional 50 years to his life sentence for the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy in October 2018.

The child victim was entrusted to Johnson's care while his mother was at work. Within two hours of being picked up from daycare, the victim was rushed to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in cardiac arrest. Medical examinations revealed disturbing and severe injuries, including abdominal trauma, multiple broken ribs in various stages of healing, a skull fracture, and subdural hemorrhage on both sides of his head. The medical examiner confirmed at least three distinct points of impact.

Johnson's defense contended that the injuries occurred while playfully tossing the child into the air and catching him awkwardly. However, the medical evidence presented during the trial strongly contradicted this narrative.

Further investigations revealed discrepancies in Johnson's account. Despite his claims that the victim never entered his "mancave," a shed used by Johnson as his personal space, evidence, including the child's daycare shoe, was found inside. Additionally, a bloody diaper with the child’s blood was discovered in the house, suggesting prolonged injuries before paramedics were called.

In light of the severity of the crimes committed, Johnson automatically received a life sentence for Murder in Perpetration of Aggravated Child Abuse and Murder in Perpetration of Aggravated Child Neglect, in January. Today, he was sentenced for the remaining charges of Aggravated Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Neglect, in which he received 25 years each—both to be served at 100 percent. The new sentences will run consecutive with the other, along with the previous Murder sentence—resulting in a total of Life plus 50 years for Johnson.

Special Victims Unit Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen and SVU Prosecutor Dru Carpenter handled the case.

Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Rape of a Child

Shelby County, TN— Today, Phillip Cavitt, was sentenced to 25 years after being tried for Rape of a Child back in October 2023. The victim, a 6-year-old child, referred to Cavitt as "Dad," as he was the stepfather responsible for the victim's care during the mother's incarceration.

Following the mother's release, the victim disclosed the incidents to her, but, according to the victim, the mother purportedly ignored these claims.

After careful consideration of the evidence, the jury convicted Cavitt of the included offense of Aggravated Sexual Battery. Due to his prior criminal history, Cavitt was categorized as a Range 2 Multiple Offender.

Today, Judge Lee Coffee in CC7 handed down the maximum sentence—20 years at 100%. Furthermore, Judge Coffee found Cavitt in violation of probation on a previous conviction, leading to the revocation of a 5-year probation term.

The sentences for the current case and the probation violation are to be served consecutively, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years.

This is not the only legal challenge facing Cavitt, as he faces another pending indictment for allegedly sexually assaulting his brother's girlfriend. The upcoming case is scheduled to proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.

Assistant District Attorney Gavin Smith served as lead prosecutor on the case— along with Tanisha Johnson, who assisted as second chair.

Statement: Update on Courdarion Craft, Alleged Shooter in Sunday Crime Spree

Update 1:28 PM

After the Courdarion Craft incident, we received inquiries about the bond that had been established. It's important to clarify that our office does not set bonds. This responsibility lies with judicial commissioners and judges. However, we can recommend that bonds be revoked, as we did in Craft's case. Today, our efforts were successful, and a judge has revoked all of Craft's bonds, ensuring that he remains in jail.

11:00 AM

The defendant— Courdarion Craft— failed to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Friday. It is routine practice that we dismiss the case but promptly refer it to the grand jury for an indictment. It's a legal requirement that all defendants have the right to be present during their preliminary hearing. However, it's important to point out that when cases are dismissed- they are not dropped- and it does not signify the end of the case. 

On Friday, after Mr. Craft failed to appear in court and based on newfound information, our office sought to file a bond revocation for his existing charges.

In light of the new charges involving the incidents on Sunday, our office is also requesting that Mr. Craft’s bond be revoked for those charges.

DA’s Office Prosecutes 35-Year-Old Sexual Assault Case

Shelby County, TN— Today, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced the resolution of a 35-year-old cold case involving a violent sexual assault. Tony Stafford has been found guilty for a rape that occurred in 1988, thanks to the efforts of prosecutors from the Special Victims Unit. The trial concluded last week with a guilty verdict from the jury.

At the time of the sexual assault, there were no identified suspects. In 2015, the victim's vaginal swabs and clothing were sent to Bode Technology for testing, with conclusive results obtained in 2016. Bode identified an unknown male profile in the clothes and swabs, which was subsequently uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In 2018, CODIS hit a match to Tony Stafford, who had prior convictions for sex offenses in Washington County, TN, and Utah.

“This case exemplifies the need to test all sexual assault kits in a timely manner,” said Dru Carpenter who led the prosecution of Safford. “From swabs taken from an 18-year-old victim in 1988, the work of the Memphis Police Department’s DNA Unit, and members of the DA’s Office, a dangerous offender was held accountable for the heinous crime he perpetrated on a member of this community. Justice was delayed for thirty-five years but was not denied in this case.”

The significance of the case extends beyond the successful conviction. In the wake of technological advances since 1988, the accuracy of testing rape kits has dramatically improved. However, the backlog of kits has been a persistent challenge nationwide, including here in Shelby County.  The case also underscores the need to test ALL rape kits---something that could be made possible by having a crime lab in Memphis,  further enhancing the effectiveness of the process.

Presently, all rape kits and other forensic testing are sent to the TBI crime lab in Jackson, TN. Localizing these crucial procedures in Memphis would not only expedite testing but also strengthen the collaboration between law enforcement, forensic experts, and prosecutors.

“Given the volume and the demand we have in Shelby County, it makes sense to have a local crime lab,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “And this lab could also offer services that are supplemental to the TBI Crime Lab in Jackson, including rapid DNA testing and cell phone digital forensics.”

While the backlog of rape kits is decreasing, prosecutors aim ensure low number and persist in testing older kits in hopes of seeing more cold cases prosecuted like the Stafford verdict.

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DA's Office Releases Annual Report Highlighting DA Mulroy's First Year in Office

Shelby County, TN— District Attorney Steve Mulroy is pleased to announce the release of the annual report covering the period since taking office in September 2022 to September 2023. This comprehensive report provides an insightful overview of the highlights, successes, challenges, and new policies and procedures implemented during DA Mulroy’s first year. 

The annual report is a testament to the commitment of the District Attorney's Office to transparency and accountability. By sharing key information on case outcomes, conviction rates, community engagement initiatives, and resource allocation, the report aims to foster trust and understanding between the office and the community.

Highlights of the report include notable successes achieved by the DA's office and challenges faced and overcome throughout the year. Under DA Mulroy’s leadership, new policies and procedures have been implemented to enhance the office's efficiency and effectiveness in serving the public.

In line with the commitment to openness, the annual report serves as a valuable resource for the public to gain insights into the workings of the District Attorney's Office. The report will be made available to the public the Shelby County DA’s Office Website.

DA Mulroy Unveils Fast Track Violent Crime Initiative (V11)

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has announced new details about his Fast Track Violent Crime Initiative, also known as V11, aimed at expediting the prosecution of violent criminal cases.

DA Mulroy has identified 11 violent criminal offenses, including murder, carjacking, and smash-and-grab robberies, as priorities for fast-tracked trials. This initiative seeks to address and reduce the significant case backlog. When Mulroy assumed office in 2022, he inherited 500 pending cases.

Under the V11 initiative, prosecutors are required to adhere to stringent internal deadlines:

• Cases must progress through General Session within 60 days from the date a defendant obtains an attorney.

• Indictments must be secured within 30 days once the case is ready.

• Trials must commence, or plea agreements must be reached, within 15 months.

"If a prosecutor has a case that doesn't meet those deadlines, they're going to have to explain why," stated DA Mulroy. "If there's no good explanation, they're going to have to do better."

In addition to enforcing deadlines, DA Mulroy emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations. He has urged prosecutors to enhance their communication with law enforcement and to diligently monitor jail calls.

The V11 plan is built on three main pillars:

1. Bail: Ensuring appropriate bail decisions are made promptly.

2. Trial Speed: Expediting the trial process to meet set deadlines.

3. Investigation Oversight: Maintaining rigorous and proactive investigation practices.

DA Mulroy Addresses Key Issues to Enhance Memphis Safety

MEMPHIS, TN –District Attorney Steve Mulroy has reaffirmed the top priority of ensuring public safety in Memphis by addressing two significant measures to bolster the city's crime-fighting capabilities and addressing internal workforce challenges within the DA’s Office.

Establishing a Local Crime Lab

Recognizing the limitations faced by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), District Attorney Mulroy emphasized the urgent need for a local crime lab tailored to Memphis' unique requirements. The proposed crime lab will offer rapid DNA testing with a 90-minute turnaround, enabling quicker investigations and resolutions. This capability extends to testing DNA on spent shell casings and for property cases.

Additionally, the proposed lab will enhance local forensic capacities by facilitating ballistics testing in non-homicide cases and enabling cell phone digital forensic analysis across various cases.

The structured proposal entails:

• The state providing an old, currently unused facility along with initial funding for essential equipment.

• A shared responsibility between the City and County to cover the lab's annual operational expenses.

Addressing County-State Employee Disparity in the DA's Office

A pressing concern highlighted by DA Mulroy pertains to the existing pay disparity within the District Attorney's office. Currently, the DA's office stands as the sole county agency that employs both State and County personnel. Recent changes, including substantial pay raises by the State Legislature for State ADAs and Criminal Investigators, have exacerbated this discrepancy.

Furthermore, following a County-provided pay hike for Assistant Public Defenders last year, Assistant District Attorneys in the County now earn less than their similarly experienced peers in the Public Defender's office.

In a proactive move to rectify this disparity, District Attorney Mulroy is scheduled to present a funding request to the County Commission on January 22. The proposed funding aims to bridge the wage gap and ensure equitable compensation for all DA office personnel.

DA Mulroy's proactive approach to these critical issues underscores a relentless commitment to public safety and equity within the Memphis community. As these initiatives move forward, the District Attorney's office remains steadfast in its mission to serve

DA's Office Announces No Charges Filed Against Store Employee who Shot Robbery Suspect

Memphis, TN—The DA’s Office has announced that no charges will be filed against LaCarter Washington, a Dollar General Store employee who shot Robert Canada, a robbery suspect.

The incident occurred on November 28, 2023. Robert Canada and another male entered the Dollar General on Winchester Road and immediately approached a store clerk and robbed her at gunpoint. Subsequently, Mr. Washington, who was on duty at the time, shot Canada in the upper back. He died as a result of his gunshot injuries.

The incident was captured on surveillance video. After reviewing the footage and Mr. Washington’s statement, we determined that Mr. Washington’s actions were justified, defending himself and others.

Mr. Washington has no criminal record and has worked at Dollar General since May 2023. Reports show Mr. Canada has five prior felonies, including carjacking and aggravated robbery.

DA's Statement on Edion White, Charged with First Degree Murder

We’ve received many inquiries about the case of Edion White, an 18 year old man charged with first-degree murder and released on his own recognizance (ROR’d) this past week. Our office asked for a $75,000 bond and enrollment in the Memphis Allies program pending trial. The judge disagreed and ordered an ROR. Mr. White was not the alleged shooter but rather the driver charged as an accomplice. He had no prior record, was enrolled in community college, and had members of the community vouch for him. We disagree with the judge’s decision but respect it.

There is much misinformation about bail lately:

• The DA does not set bail or decide on pretrial release versus pretrial detention. The judges and judicial commissioners do that.  

• Most of the high-profile bail controversies in recent months involve decisions made by judicial commissioners or General Sessions judges themselves in the first 72 hours after arrest. This is before our office becomes involved, and once our office has become involved, those controversial decisions are nearly always against the individual prosecutor’s position.

• It is also before the provisions under recent “bail reform” gets involved. The only change to the bail system is adding a bail hearing with counsel 72 hours after arrest. Thus, these recent controversies had nothing to do with our office or the new bail system.  

• The only purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant shows up for the next court date. The Tennessee Constitution presumes the defendant be free while the case is pending (before any conviction), unless there is reason to believe the defendant poses a danger to the community or may fail to appear at the next court date. 

• Most defendants on bail do not reoffend before trial. And of those that do reoffend, those make up only a small percentage of criminal offenses in a given year.

Video: DA Mulroy Testifies Before United States Commission on Civil Rights

DA Mulroy was recently invited to share his expertise and insight as a panelist at a briefing hosted by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The briefing focused on the critical issue of racial and ethnic disparities in violent crime victimization across the United States. 

DA’s Office Gets Bond Revoked for Man Accused of Attacking a Memphis Police Officer

Memphis, TN – Today, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office successfully advocated for the revocation of Marcus Johnson's bond, the man accused of strangling and biting off a piece of the ear of a Memphis Police officer during a traffic stop on November 14.

On the day of his arraignment, the DA’s Office filed a motion to revoke Johnson’s bond—who also had other felony drug charges that stemmed from a 2022 case. The Judge temporarily revoked the bond pending a hearing.

Recognizing the severity of the charges and the defendant's history as a fugitive from a previous charge, the State emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure public safety during the pending case.

"When I saw how he had been a fugitive for about a year from a prior charge, I instructed our prosecutors to not only seek a high bond on the new charge, but to revoke bond outright. This defendant has already proved he can't be trusted. I'm glad the judge agreed," stated DA Steve Mulroy.

During today's court proceedings, the State presented a compelling case, urging the judge to revoke the defendant's bail on the 2022 case and increase the bond on the attempted murder charge involving the police officer from $75,000 to $500,000. The judge concurred with the State's argument, resulting in the complete revocation of Johnson's bond in the 2022 case and a substantial increase in bond for the new charges.

 "This would be true even if the alleged conduct—in this case, biting off part of the ear of a police officer—weren't so troubling, which it is," commented DA Mulroy. The judge's decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing public safety and ensuring that individuals facing serious charges are held accountable for their actions.

Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Forrest Edwards was the lead prosecutor in this case.

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DA Mulroy Selected as Distinguished Guest at U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Briefing to Discuss Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice System

Memphis, TN –Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has been invited to share expertise and insights as a panelist at the upcoming briefing hosted by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The briefing, scheduled for Friday, November 17, will focus on the critical issue of racial and ethnic disparities in violent crime victimization across the United States.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has launched an investigation to explore the federal government's role in collecting data and addressing racial disparities in violent victimization, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of ensuring the fair administration of justice. The Commission seeks to engage with experts, government officials, academics, community advocates, and those directly impacted by these disparities.

“I’m honored to be invited to testify before the U.S. Civil Rights Commission,” said DA Mulroy, who is also a former federal prosecutor. “Both nationally and in Shelby, Black residents are disproportionately the victims of crime, and the victims of mass incarceration and unfair treatment.  We can both  address these disparities and also flatten the crime curve.  I look forward to sharing with the Commission what we’re doing to address our challenges, and to hear from others across the country on their solutions.”

The event aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue that will inform the Commission's investigation and eventual report. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by various communities and the potential solutions to address the root causes of racial and ethnic disparities in violent crime victimization.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate by submitting written materials for consideration. Submissions should be sent to victimsofcrime@usccr.gov and must be received no later than December 15, 2023.

Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Hosts 13th annual Season of Remembrance for Homicide Victims

Shelby County, TN— The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is hosting the annual Season of Remembrance event on Monday, November 27, 2023. The free event, designed to remember Shelby County homicide victims, will be held at the Rose Theater on the University of Memphis campus.

Family and friends of victims are encouraged to bring an ornament to place on a wreath in honor of their loved ones. A tree will also be decorated with the names of homicide victims from 2023. The ceremony will include music selections from Stax High School students and a curated message from Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel. ABC24 anchor Richard Ransom will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

“My heart goes out to every family who has been a victim of homicide in Shelby County. No one should ever have to lose a loved one to violence,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “Our hope is that the families and friends feel supported as we honor their loved ones’ memory together this holiday season.” 

Free parking will be available in the Zach Curlin garage located next to the Rose Theater.

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Ex-MPD Officer Charged in the Beating Death of Tyre Nichols Agrees to Guilty Plea in State Court After Pleading Guilty in Federal Court

 Memphis, TN—Today (Nov. 2), Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced that ex-MPD officer Desmond Mills has agreed to plead guilty in state court for the charges the DA’s Office brought against him for the Jan.  7, 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols.  This is part of a global settlement of all pending state and federal charges and comes after Mills pled guilty this morning to these federal charges at a hearing held before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris.

As part of the global settlement reached between Mills, the DA’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mills agreed to plead guilty to federal charges of excessive force and obstruction of justice, as well as related state charges related to Nichols' death. He also agreed to cooperate fully and truthfully with both the state and federal investigations, including civil rights investigations by the U.S. Justice Department. 

Both federal and state prosecutors have agreed to a recommended sentence of 15 years, with the final decision to be made by Judge Norris at an upcoming sentencing hearing.  After that hearing, Mills will plead guilty in state court to the state charges, at which time the DA will indicate agreement to the sentence previously reached in federal court.  Any period of incarceration shall be served in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Our office has consulted with the family of Tyre Nichols, who support the above agreement. 

“I join Tyre’s family in saying this is a fair result, given Mr. Mills’ level of involvement, and his willingness to cooperate with us,” said DA Mulroy.  “His cooperation will help us bring to justice all those criminally responsible while also identifying needs for systemic reform within the police department.” 

The DA’s office will continue its ongoing investigation and vigorously prosecute this case to ensure that justice is served.

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Media Contact: Erica R. Williams | media@scdag.com | 901.222.1300

Justice Review Unit Expanding: Positioned to be one of the Largest Post-Conviction Units in the Nation and the Largest in Tennessee

 Shelby County, TN— The Justice Review Unit (JRU), a leading force in post-conviction advocacy, announced the receipt of a substantial grant from the Department of Justice to bolster its mission to rectify wrong convictions. The almost $527,000 grant positions them as one of the largest post-conviction units in the nation and the single largest in Tennessee.

The Department of Justice grant is under the Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program. It will allow JRU to expand its staff, including an additional prosecutor, paralegal, and technology assistant. With the added resources, JRU will be provided with more bandwidth to respond to the approximately 100 new applications received each month. 

“With this generous grant, we are poised to make even greater strides in ensuring that justice is served,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy—who formed the unit upon taking office in 2022. “Our enhanced capacity will enable us to delve deeper into cases, ultimately making a profound impact on the lives of those who have been wrongly imprisoned.”

The grant’s impact goes beyond the unit itself, contributing to the broader landscape of criminal justice reform. By becoming one of the largest post-conviction units nationally and claiming the top spot in Tennessee, the JRU sets a precedent for the pursuit of truth and fairness.

The JRU also oversees use-of-force investigations in officer-involved incidents and in-custody deaths. Since its inception, the JRU has handled at least a dozen cases involving law enforcement. The unit conducts a separate investigation from the DA’s Office. Once the investigation is complete, a recommendation is presented to the District Attorney.

The JRU launched in December 2022. It is led by long-time Memphis attorneys Lorna McClusky (Director) and Robert Gowen (Deputy Director).

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For Media Inquiries:

Erica Williams, Director of Communications and Public Affairs

media@scdag.com

SCDAG's Office Declination Letter to MPD Regarding Jaylen Mckenzie Investigation

In response to the Justice Review Unit’s findings regarding the Jaylen McKenzie Investigation, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office submitted this declination letter on September 26, 2023.

Letter to MPD

DA Mulroy Releases Statement in Response to Sheriff Bonner's Press Conference Regarding Gershun Freeman Case

“I endorsed Van Turner for Mayor before Mr. Freeman died in the Shelby County Jail and before Sheriff Bonner declared his candidacy. To keep politics out of the case, I recused myself and requested another DA be appointed, a common practice among DAs which is not at all unusual. The DA Conference, not me, appointed Glenn Funk. I've had no involvement at all in the case since last year, and played no role in the decision to indict.

The release of the video was per the regular practice of DA Funk and not at all unusual. I haven't stated I disagree with it. Sheriff Bonner was legally able to release any and all of the videos in all jail death and officer-involved shooting cases. I favor such release in the name of transparency.

In recent jail death cases since the Freeman case, Sheriff Bonner initially refused to provide TBI or this office with videos, stating that we could view the video at his office but could not have a copy and that we had to go through his lawyer Allan Wade. This is not practical; we need a copy of the video to examine ourselves. As a result, I had to get the TBI to compel production of the videos.

I can't comment on the details of the Freeman case, both because it is an ongoing case and because I am not involved in it since it is DA Funk's case and not ours. “

-Steve Mulroy, Shelby County DA

Shelby County District Attorney and West TN Violent Crime and Drug Task Force Hosts Annual Roundtable Presentation

 Shelby County, TN— On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, District Attorney Steve Mulroy and the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force will hold a private Roundtable Presentation for law enforcement and elected officials. Attendees will hear from members of the Tennessee District Attorney’s Office as well as the TN Drug Task Force on important operation questions and updates throughout the year.

“I’ve found the DTF agents to be hard-working, dedicating, and devoted to helping people.” said DA Mulroy. “My fellow DAs on the Task Force are great to work with.  It’s an example of when agencies work together, they can be more effective than the sum of each.”

The event will be held at Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Road from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and lunch will be provided for registered attendees. The Board of Directors will be available for media interviews following the conclusion of the program. 

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CONTACT: media@scdag.com | 901.222.1337

Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Releases Video in Officer-Involved Shooting Related to the Death of Jaylin McKenzie

Shelby County, TN—Today, The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office released video of the fatal officer-involved shooting involving Jaylin McKenzie and a Memphis Police Officer that took place in  Dec. 2022. The videos are posted on the Shelby County District Attorney’s website. Mr. McKenzie’s family has viewed the footage. 

The three redacted videos are from in-car camera of a police patrol car and body-worn cameras from two additional officers. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Any death is tragic; incidents like this are difficult for all involved,” said DA Mulroy. “Our office is committed to transparency in these cases, which means prompt release of video so the public can view it for themselves.”

Beyond the events shown in the video, the SCDAG’s Office cannot comment due to TBI’s ongoing investigation. Once the investigation by TBI is complete, our Justice Review Unit will review the findings and make a recommendation to the District Attorney.

Public Safety Summit Priorities

The following is a summary of the key consensus priorities arising from the Public Safety Summit—hosted by the DA’s Office, August 31. These reflect a general consensus around the room. Not every participating agency could formally commit that day, but no one affirmatively dissented.

The timeline for implementation (and at least preliminary results) is between 6 and 18 months.

Shared Message: We have a serious crime crisis that requires an “all hands on deck” approach. We will continue to vigorously prosecute repeat violent offenders, who deserve serious prison time. We will also work hard to repair due process failings in the system so that guilty defendants can be held accountable.  At the same time, we must work on preventing crime, as outlined below. 

VIOLENCE INTERVENTION: Form an interagency Working Group to coordinate the use of groups that identify potential repeat violent offenders and intervene to prevent further criminal action. Programs like Youth Villages’ Memphis Allies program, Heal 901’s Cure Violence program, and the City of Memphis’ Violence Intervention Program, just to list a few examples, use “trusted voices” (persons who have themselves formerly been in the criminal justice system) to reach out to these at-risk persons, warn them of the consequences of further criminal actions, and offer services (counseling, GED, job training, job placement, etc.) to help them avoid it. Programs like this have reduced recidivism in other cities. The plan is to have this Working Group consult with David Muhammad, a nationally recognized expert in this area working at the Nat’l Institute for Criminal Justice Reform who has already been consulting with some of these groups on the best way to ramp up use of programs like this. 

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN: For several decades, other cities have engaged with some crime reduction success in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). Leaders identify crime “hotspots” and improve the environment through street lighting, “clean & green” efforts on vacant lots, blighted building remediation, street design, and other efforts to make the areas less hospitable for crime. MPD has been engaged in some CPTED efforts, and CPTED is part of the “Operation Safeways” program for high-crime apartment complexes. We must apply CPTED to the 50 or so highest local “hot spots.” The group would also explore what state law changes might be necessary to streamline these efforts.  

 MEANINGFUL SUPERVISION: On a much greater and more consistent basis, impose meaningful, individualized requirements of defendants to get, as appropriate, substance abuse/mental health counseling, education, job training, continued employment, etc., at every stage of the system, from pretrial through plea deals and probation. This would require buy-in from the DA, Public Defender, and judges and heavy use of Memphis’ VIP program, the County’s Office of Reentry, the County’s new Youth Family Resource Center, and TDOC’s Day Reporting program. Funding for these services may need to increase as use of them rises.  

DATA TRANSPARENCY, DATA SHARING, & INTEROPERABILITY : Currently, reliable data on the criminal justice system is hard to extract, difficult to share among agencies, and often inconsistent between agencies. Agencies use different data systems which can’t talk to each other. The agencies hope to get a national consulting group like Justice Innovation Lab, working with a local partner like Innovate Memphis, to coordinate better data reliability, data-sharing, consistency, and interoperability and to create public-facing dashboards and data portals to increase transparency.  

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR JUSTICE-INVOLVED YOUTH: Collaborate on making greater funding for in-residence facilities like Pure Academy for troubled youth and group home-type environments.