## Overview The Memphis Police Department (MPD) is a multifaceted law enforcement agency dedicated to maintaining public safety in Memphis, Tennessee, through crime prevention, community policing, and data-driven intelligence[3]. With a mission to reduce crime by providing quality public safety in partnership with the community, the MPD emphasizes professionalism, integrity, collaboration, and accountability[3]. The department’s vision is to be recognized as a best-in-class leader in policing by continually improving its people, processes, technology, and service[3]. ## History Founded in 1827—just one month after Memphis was incorporated—the MPD is one of the oldest police departments in the United States[1]. Its early years were marked by modest beginnings: the first “police station” was a small brick building, and officers carried rattles as signals and makeshift weapons[1]. The department grew rapidly, dividing the city into districts and increasing its ranks significantly after the Civil War[1]. Notably, William Cook and John F. Harris became the first Black officers in 1867, serving as turnkeys for about two years during a period of transition in policing structures[1][2]. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the MPD professionalize, adopt new technologies, and navigate challenges such as yellow fever epidemics and civil rights movements[4]. ## Key Achievements The MPD has been at the center of several pivotal moments in American history, including the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, an event that continues to shape the department’s relationship with the community[6]. Over the decades, the MPD has evolved from a small, rudimentary force into a modern agency that has embraced advancements in training, technology, and community policing[4]. The department’s integration of Black officers in 1948 marked another significant milestone in its commitment to diversity and inclusion[5]. ## Current Status Today, the MPD is recognized