Tuesday, the Memphis City Council unanimously approved Mayor Jim Strickland’s appointment of Michael Rallings as permanent director of the Memphis Police Department.
Rallings served as MPD’s interim director since Feb.1, 2016, and he became of one-of-six finalists for the position. Rallings expressed his feelings about the appointment in a statement released by Mayor Strickland’s office.
“I thank God for the great opportunity to lead the Memphis Police Department,” Rallings said. “I thank Mayor Strickland for appointing me and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the goal we share to provide for public safety.”
A national search for the Bluff City’s next director cost taxpayers $40,000, but after more than six months Mayor Strickland felt the local candidate fit Memphis best.
“I promised Memphians that I would find the best possible police director in the nation to meet our city’s needs. After a comprehensive process in which I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of our candidates, I’m convinced the best leader for MPD is Michael Rallings,” said Mayor Strickland.
Tuesday, confirmation was not unexpected. In July, the city council unanimously voted in favor of supporting Rallings getting the permanent director position.
Rallings captured the confidence of city leaders and the community in his time as interim director. Most notably he received acclaim for his leadership during the July 10 protest when marchers blocked the Hernando Desoto I-40 bridge for more than five hours.
The protest had a peaceful resolution and there were no arrests. During the protest Rallings linked arms with protesters and prayed with them. Protest organizers demanded that Mayor Strickland appoint Rallings to the job immediately during a community meeting on July 11.
In addition, Rallings has overseen the deployment of officer body cameras and has worked with the TBI to establish procedures for fatal officer involved shootings.
Rallings has a highly decorated career since joining MPD in 1990. He served in the U.S. Army from 1984-1988, and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1988-2014. He graduated from Wooddale High School in 1984.
