By Police1 Staff
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Department has allegedly taken it easier on recruits over fear of losing them.
Memphis Police Association President Mike Williams told Local Memphis that some trainers been moved because they were too tough.
“They’ve already lowered the standards out there,” he said. “I think you can fail three tests now. When we came through, your second test you were out. I think you had to score a 75, it may be down to 70.”
Some recruits have filed complaints about unfair treatment. According to Williams, the purpose of the academy is to push the recruits’ limits in a controlled environment to prepare them for the streets.
“If you think you’re being discriminated against now, wait until you’re out in the field … You’ve got to be able to function under those pressures,” Williams said. “If you baby them in the academy like this, I am very interested to see what’s going to happen when they actually hit the streets.”
Police Director Mike Rallings has not commented on the allegations, but Mayor Jim Strickland said in a statement that being a police officer is a “tough job.”
“If our current class of recruits graduates, they will have earned the right to wear the uniform,” he said. “Any complaint from a recruit or any employee will be taken seriously and investigated. If any issue is discovered, the city will take corrective action.”
Local Memphis reported that the number of officers is expected to drop below 1900 in the fall.