Court Watch
Trained volunteers observe public court proceedings and document what happens, helping identify patterns, delays and inefficiencies.
Explore Court Watch →Memphis Crime Beat was created to give citizens the tools to better understand crime, the criminal-justice system, and the decisions that shape public safety in Memphis. Our mission is to reduce crime by bringing greater transparency and accountability to the justice system.
OUR STORY
Information should lead to understanding—and action.
Crime statistics can tell only part of the story. Memphis Crime Beat brings together data, courtroom observation, public information, and community engagement so citizens can see what happens throughout the system and better understand how decisions are made.
Our work is built around the Life of a Crime: a framework that begins when a crime is committed and follows the process through reporting, arrest, bail, prosecution, case result, sentencing, rehabilitation, and potential reoffending.
OUR MISSIONReducing Crime Through Transparency and Accountability.
We make complex criminal-justice information easier to find, follow, and understand.
How we do the work
Data Analysis
We organize crime, jail, court and system-performance information into understandable reports and trends.
Explore our data →Community Engagement
We help citizens learn about the system, volunteer, attend meetings, and participate in improving their community.
Explore Community Engagement →What makes Memphis Crime Beat different
We follow what happens after arrest.
Reported crime and arrest numbers matter, but they do not show the entire process. Court outcomes, sentencing, case age and what happens afterward are critical parts of understanding system performance.
We connect observation with data.
Court Watch gives citizens first-hand exposure to proceedings, while our data work provides the broader context needed to identify trends and ask better questions.
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Our board provides leadership and oversight for Memphis Crime Beat's mission and work.
Leslie Taylor
President
Norman Blake
Vice President
Jamel Dagher
Treasurer
Ron Walker
Secretary
Garrett O'Brien
Former Detective — MPD
Jennie Verner Marshall
Butler Snow LLP
Advisory Committee
Community leaders who provide experience and perspective to the organization.
Ben AdamsFord CanaleJoe BirchKeith BlanchardElizabeth BairdDr. Wiley RobinsonPrecilla Guy
Our Partners
Organizations that support Memphis Crime Beat and help strengthen our work in the community.
Premium Parking
Community Partner
THE100CLUB of Memphis
The 100 Club of Memphis
Community Partner
Safeways
Community Partner
A Better Whitehaven
Community Partner
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