MEMPHIS, Tenn - The Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced the launch of an independent and comprehensive assessment of the Memphis Police Department as part of its collaborative reform initiative.

The review comes at the request of Memphis Police Department Director of Police Services Michael Rallings to provide a comprehensive analysis of the department’s policies, practices, training and interactions with the community.

“I applaud the progressive leadership of the Memphis Police Department for taking steps to improve operations to achieve 21st century policing,” said COPS Office Policing Practices and Accountability Initiative Chief Noble Wray. “The COPS Office will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the department and recommend opportunities for change, paving the way for the Memphis Police Department to become a leader in the industry.”

The COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative for Technical Assistance is an independent and objective process to help transform law enforcement agencies through an analysis of policies, practices, training, tactics and accountability methods around key issues facing law enforcement today. Using subject matter experts, interviews and direct observations, as well as conducting extensive research and analysis, the COPS Office assists law enforcement agencies in enhancing and improving their policies and procedures, operating systems and professional culture.

Once the initial assessment phase of the process is completed, the COPS Office will release a report detailing the findings of the assessment, along with specific recommendations to achieve best practices in 21st century policing. During the subsequent 18 months, the COPS Office will continue to work with the police department to help implement the recommendations and will release a progress report and final report.

The COPS Office, headed by Director Ronald Davis, is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 129,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.