MEMPHIS, Tenn.— Feb. 27, 2026— Mayor Paul Young joined Chief CJ Davis and national law enforcement leaders from February 20 through 22, 2026, in San Diego, California, at the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Public Safety Summit, where Memphis’ collaborative approach to public safety was recognized as a model for cities across the country.
Leaders from across the nation praised the City of Memphis for its transparency, strategic coordination, and partnership-driven response to complex federal, state, and local public safety challenges.
“NOBLE thanks Mayor Paul Young for participating in its Public Safety Summit,” said Dwayne A. Crawford, executive director of NOBLE. “The Summit attendees experienced an amazing discussion where the mayor described and shared best practices in managing through the complexities of federal, state, and local engagement while keeping the Memphis citizens’ safety as the main priority. The mayor’s candor and transparency were well received and very appreciated.”
During the summit, Mayor Young and Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis discussed how the city has worked in coordination with the National Guard and federal partners while maintaining constitutional responsibility and community trust.
Renee’ Hall, NOBLE national president and retired Dallas police chief, said Memphis demonstrated what partnership-centered leadership looks like.
“Public safety is strongest when mayors and police leaders operate as partners, not silos,” Hall said. “Innovation in public safety does not happen in isolation. It happens in rooms where leaders are willing to listen, challenge one another respectfully, and co-create solutions.”
Gregory A. Thomas, NOBLE past national president, emphasized the importance of alignment between elected officials and law enforcement leadership.
“At its core, public safety is a collective partnership between government, the communities it serves, and between the elected leadership and the police chief executive whom they choose to appoint,” Thomas said. “This notable achievement needs to be heralded and serve as a model across the country.”
Mitchell R. Davis III, chief of police for the Village of Hazel Crest and NOBLE first national vice president, said Memphis’ strategy and execution should serve as a template for municipalities nationwide.
“The mindset and strategic implementation of their plan to keep their citizens and community safe should serve as a template for municipalities around the country,” Davis said.
Jeffrey B. Norman, chief of police for the Milwaukee Police Department, also noted the value of information sharing among law enforcement leaders.
“I learned a great deal from hearing about Memphis’ strategy to navigate the increased presence of federal law enforcement in their city, and this type of information sharing amongst police agencies is helpful to employ best practices,” Norman said.
Mayor Young said Memphis’ focus remains clear.
“Our responsibility is to keep Memphis families safe while protecting constitutional rights and maintaining public trust,” Young said. “That requires partnership, strategy, and steady leadership. We are proud of the collaboration between City leadership, the Memphis Police Department, and our partners at every level of government.”
The summit highlighted Memphis as an example of how cities can navigate complex public safety environments through coordination, transparency, and unified leadership.