U.S. Representative Andy Ogles is pushing for Nashville to establish a dedicated crime task force, pointing to a similar program in Memphis as proof the approach works.
The Memphis task force brings together multiple federal agencies to work alongside local law enforcement in a coordinated effort to reduce crime. Since launching in September, the program has resulted in more than 7,000 arrests, a number Ogles says speaks for itself.
Ogles traveled to Memphis earlier this week alongside President Donald Trump. While there, he said he spoke directly with residents who credit the task force with making their neighborhoods safer. Those conversations, he said, reinforced his belief that Nashville could benefit from the same kind of federal partnership.
No formal proposal has been announced yet, but Ogles made clear he wants city leaders to take the Memphis model seriously as a potential blueprint for addressing crime in Nashville.