Chicago detective suggests Memphis crime reduction model

Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy has suggested that Chicago officials study Memphis to address the city’s persistent violent crime crisis. According to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Memphis saw a 43.7% decline in homicides during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.

The reduction in Memphis followed the deployment of National Guard troops, authorized by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in September 2025. Roy noted that Chicago is currently struggling with a depleted police force, having lost approximately 2,500 officers over the last few years.

Roy criticized the lack of cooperation between Chicago authorities and federal agencies regarding preventative street-level policing. This comes as Chicago continues to experience frequent violence, including a recent Monday night where nine people were shot across the city.