MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Enough is enough. That's what Memphians are saying about crime. Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong says he's trying to do something about it.
In March he started C.O.P., or Community Outreach Program, in hopes of building better relationships with citizens and reducing crime. Armstrong says his program is working.
"For the first time in a long time they feel like they actually have a neighborhood, actually feel like they're getting out and knowing their neighbors," he said. "You don't see prevalent people hanging on corners, open air drug markets."
The C.O.P. program currently involves 50 officers in two areas, south Memphis and north Memphis. Dr. Jonathon Rodgers, Pastor of Evangel Temple Church in South Memphis, told abc24.com the program is having an impact.
"I have noticed some positive change in the last several months… It's very apparent that there are more police cars out there and more officers."
Director Armstrong says his goal is to have a C.O.P. program in every area of Memphis but it's going to take time and additional resources.
