MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Memphis division of the FBI has a new Special Agent in Charge.
Aaron T. Ford says he's ready for the challenge. Ford's been with the FBI since 1985. He's held nearly every position in the bureau, and he comes to Memphis from FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. Ford's no stranger to crime and says he can't wait to tackle the problems in Memphis.
Ford's number one concern is national security. To make that happen, he says he needs to focus on local problems like violent crime. He says, "We are aware of that and we work with local law enforcement every day to look at things like gang problems, bank robberies and other violent crime matters in the area."
The Memphis FBI division partners with Memphis, Bartlett and Germantown police, along with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for the Safe Streets Task Force, a community policing effort that Ford says is critical. "I can't say I have any concerns," he tells abc24.com in his first Memphis interview, "I just look forward to knowing the area and working with the law enforcement partners because they are a vital part of the FBI on a day-in and day-out basis and I have to make sure we have a great relationship with them."
Ford's already met with local law enforcement agencies but the district covers the area between Memphis and Nashville, which creates a unique set of problems. "A lot of my other partners sit in Nashville, so that creates a challenge as far as communication goes." He says, "There are two different U.S. Attorney's offices I deal with, the middle and western, so I have a juggling act when it comes to the coordination of investigations, but I'm up for the task."
Ford's been in the position since November 2011. At this point he's not sure what changes need to be made in the office, but he wants to maximize efficiency.
The last Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis division was in the position for one year.
