Crime and Fun in Memphis

By July this year there had been 100 murders in Memphis. Guns were used in most of these crimes. A person had been charged in only 43 of these cases. Some are referred to as interstate murders. The centre of Memphis is only 10 miles from the Mississippi state border and Arkansas is across the river, complicating jurisdictional issues and making it harder to solve these crimes.

In the downtown area the Blue Suede Brigade performs the dual function of hospitality and security. The brigadiers do not carry guns but have batons and communications equipment. They ride around on bicycles and Segways. Hotels shut their doors by 7pm allowing access with hotel keycards or an intercom, and have security patrols. We are careful where we walk and haven't had any concerns.

Tonight is bike night on Beale Street with 200+ motor cycles lining both sides of the street. This happens every Wednesday from June to September. Four police cars had surrounded a ute at Beale Street so it was all happening.