Memphis mayoral candidate Frank Colvett talks policing, public safety after Tyre Nichols

After the death of Tyre Nichols, the city of Memphis has faced a public reckoning over police policies, practices and transparency.

The Memphis City Council has passed multiple police reforms, while MPD Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland disbanded the SCORPION Unit, whose members included the five police officers charged with second-degree murder in Nichols’ death.

But the conversations about policing also come on the front end of a race for the next Memphis mayor. So far, roughly a dozen people have entered the race, even though petitions cannot be pulled until May 22 and the actual election is not until Oct. 5.

The next mayor of Memphis is likely to determine the future of policing in the city, including who serves as the police chief and what policies are implemented.

The Commercial Appeal reached out to the campaigns of each mayoral candidate who so far has declared a run for mayor. Each campaign was asked the same set of questions about policing and public safety, the answers to which are linked below in alphabetical order by last name.

Here are the responses from Memphis City Councilman Frank Colvett. Responses from other candidates can be found by clicking here.

Responses have been edited for AP style.

Please briefly describe your background and qualifications for mayor? 

I've owned a small business for many years in Memphis. Then, I was elected to the City Council in November 2015 and have served two terms including chairman of the council. These experiences have taught me the value of faith, family and responsible business practices. I’m running because what we’re doing now isn’t working, and I have both the governmental and outside business experience to bring people together to move Memphis forward.

What do you believe are the primary issues facing the Memphis Police Department today?

There is a real shortage of officers in our city that must be addressed. We need to get our numbers up as soon as possible to make our city safe. Not only do we need more officers, we need more good officers. Our officers must have high, nationally competitive wages but also high recruitment standards.

If elected mayor, how would you approach specialized units like the Organized Crime Unit or the now defunct SCORPION Unit?

Specialized units are critical for focusing on prominent crime trends. It’s also critical that we constantly police those units to make sure that their unit’s esprit-de-corps doesn’t overtake the department’s high ethical standards.

What sort of data should be maintained and released regarding traffic stops, use of force and other policing issues?

People who aren’t breaking the law have nothing to fear. That goes for the public and police officers. I support the release of all relevant criminal justice records that don’t hinder criminal prosecutions.

How many police officers does MPD need? If more than the current number, how would you go about encouraging recruitment?

I want 2,400 officers. I also want nationally ranked high wages and benefits for officers so we can recruit the best officers from everywhere.

The city council has passed several ordinances on police reform. What are your thoughts on these ordinances, whether you support or do not support them?

Our goal is to hire only the best and brightest to be Memphis police officers. The best reform we can implement is to have the highest standards monitored and enforced by the City of Memphis and the police department.

Has MPD leadership met the death of Tyre Nichols with sufficient transparency? Why or why not?

What happened in January to Tyre Nichols was unacceptable. The swift release, admission and arrest of these officers is an example of how transparency should work. The prompt release of the footage and the quick arrests are the only ways that the MPD can regain the trust of the public.

What, if anything, would you advocate for at the state level to change regarding policing and public safety?

My criminal justice plan begins with more good officers on the streets. The next step is to begin dealing with the causes. We have a serious problem with adults who recruit children to commit crimes, and I will ask the Governor and State Legislature to increase the penalties for this crime. Lastly, early intervention at the elementary, middle and high school levels is necessary. One of my budget priorities for both the city and state government will be increased funding for BRIDGES and the Boys and Girls Club.

Katherine Burgess covers government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Frank Colvett, Memphis mayor candidate, talks policing, public safety