University of Memphis Crime Declined Since 2023
Campus safety improved with a 35% average yearly drop in incidents over the past three years.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The University of Memphis reported a 35% average annual decline in campus crime from 2023 to 2026. The institution continues to bolster its safety infrastructure through expanded staffing and new mobile technology.
Why it matters
The reduction highlights the impact of integrated security measures, including strategic patrol enhancements and technology-driven tools, on maintaining safety in a growing campus environment.
Official reports indicate a 35% annual decrease in campus crime over three years, while the police department actively maintains 37 current officers. The total number of sworn personnel is targeted to increase to a range of 40 to 50.
The players
University of Memphis
This public research university located in Memphis, Tennessee, manages a comprehensive campus police department to ensure student and faculty safety.
University of Memphis Police Department
The law enforcement agency is currently responsible for campus security and is actively expanding its personnel and K-9 unit capabilities.
Pharaoh
Pharaoh is a K-9 officer who joined the campus police department last year to assist with patrols and security duties.
The details
The university is deploying the Everbridge 360 safety app, which offers virtual walking escorts and direct video chat with dispatchers to all students. Additionally, officials are expanding their K-9 unit, with Pharaoh currently patrolling areas like Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and a second handler currently under recruitment.
Timeline
The university experienced a 35% average annual crime reduction over the last 3 years.
K-9 officer Pharaoh joined the campus police force last year.
The Everbridge 360 safety app is rolling out to the student body this semester.
All campus police officers are scheduled to be equipped with body cameras by October 2026.
A second K-9 unit is scheduled to arrive on the Memphis campus by early 2027.
Legal Context
The university's updated safety measures follow a pattern set by the Clery Act campus safety reporting requirements. These institutional changes reflect broader efforts by higher education entities to meet federal standards for public safety transparency and proactive risk management.
Students and faculty can access enhanced security through the new Everbridge 360 app, which provides real-time digital safety features. The presence of additional police and K-9 units aims to maintain lower incident rates as the campus population continues to grow.
The takeaway
Proactive investment in digital safety tools and canine support serves as a model for urban campuses seeking to manage crime. Students are encouraged to download the safety app to utilize the available security resources effectively.
Further reading
For additional context on local security initiatives, explore the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Actionnews5.
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