A couple arrives at the gates of Graceland in a convertible

Frequently Asked Questions

You and our visitors have questions. We have answers.

There are plenty of ways you can use the #WeLoveMemphis toolkit for months and years to come as we continue to promote and advocate for our destination. We encourage you to use this toolkit as a key resource to find what you need to communicate effectively with visitors. A few ways we suggest using this information:
Employee newsletter
Onboarding and training new employees
Refreshing current employees with existing information
Internal communications
Personal social media accounts

If you have additional questions beyond what our FAQs cover below, contact [email protected]. They will get your question answered within 24 hours. If you need more information on Memphis for your visitors, go to MemphisTravel.com and ILoveMemphisBlog.com.

#WELOVEMEMPHIS FAQs

Q: What safety measures are being taken by the City of Memphis?
A: With 59 fire stations and nine police stations, the City of Memphis Police Department and City of Memphis Fire Department provide public safety services to the more than 650,000 residents of Memphis. Operation Code Zero is a crime-fighting initiative by Memphis Mayor Paul Young and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) that targets high-crime areas with an all-hands-on-deck and zero-tolerance approach to getting a handle on crime. Since implementing Operation Code Zero, crime has been reduced by -13% city-wide and by -26% in Downtown Memphis, compared to the prior year. In fact, in 2024, the Memphis crime rate was below national averages.

Q: Who should I reach out to in the event of an emergency?
A: In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If your situation is not life-threatening, you can also reach out to your local MPD precinct. With nine police stations located throughout the city, Uniform Patrol is the strength of the MPD, and all other divisions support its activities. Responsible for patrolling all areas of the city, responding to routine and emergency calls, conducting preliminary crime investigations and enforcing both criminal and traffic laws, Uniform Patrol is the community’s primary point of contact for services. Contact numbers are listed below:

Airways: Front Desk: (901) 636-4800
Mt. Moriah: Front Desk: (901) 636-4199
Raines: Front Desk: (901) 636-4599
Ridgeway: Front Desk: (901) 636-4500
Appling Farms: Front Desk: (901) 636-4400
Crump: Front Desk: (901) 636-4600
Austin Peay: Front Desk: (901) 636-4399
North Main: Front Desk: (901) 636-4099
Tillman: Front Desk: (901) 636-3000

Q: How can I stay informed in the event of an emergency?
A: You can sign up for the City of Memphis’ emergency alert program. This system enables the city to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. The Memphis Police Department provides multiple ways to stay informed and engaged on their website.

Q: What safety measures are being taken in Downtown Memphis, specifically?
A: Right now, a new downtown police command center is being built a block from Beale Street. This command center will centralize efforts to monitor and address crime in real-time through over 400+ high-definition surveillance cameras. These high-definition cameras will use artificial intelligence to identify objects, license plates and other important details that can be leveraged to solve crimes, faster. Additionally, the Downtown Memphis Commission employs the Blue Suede Brigade (BSB), a best-in-class 25-member team of the friendliest security professionals in the business. The BSB team works across the entire city to ensure a safe and friendly environment for residents, office workers and visitors. Head to their website to learn more about their 2023 Clean, Green & Safety Highlights. You can contact the Blue Suede Brigade in Downtown Memphis by calling (901) 281-9146 during their service hours:

Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
Monday–Wednesday: 7 AM–10 PM
Thursday–Saturday: 7 AM–Midnight
You can also email the Blue Suede Brigade at [email protected]

Q: Is Downtown Memphis more dangerous than other neighborhoods?
A: Less than 4% of all crime reports in the City of Memphis originated downtown in 2024, based on the most recent data from the Memphis Data Hub. With 25,000 downtown residents and a daytime population of 72,000 working in downtown Memphis every day, as well as visitors arriving downtown from all over the U.S. (and beyond), you’ll be in good company when you explore the world-class experiences and amenities in downtown Memphis.

Q: Will we be safe going out to entertainment districts at night in Memphis?
A: The Memphis Police Department’s mission is to protect the public safety of all citizens of Memphis by providing as much information as possible to keep you and your family safe. Like with any city, we recommend staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Beale Street, Overton Square, Broad Avenue and Cooper Young have been home to nightlife for a number of years and each district is fully equipped and prepared to handle all things nightlife-related. Our entertainment districts are investing money heavily year-round on security. It’s their top priority for all visitors within these entertainment districts to feel safe and comfortable, and they want to encourage visitors to enjoy themselves.

Q: What steps can I take to protect myself and my community from crime?
A: Situational awareness is important in any major city, and Memphis is not an exception. Common-sense safety precautions are a good place to start. For example, avoid leaving unattended valuables visible in your car. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Take your keys out of your car ignition when getting gas. Don’t walk alone in unfamiliar areas late at night. This is good advice for anyone, in any city. These tips will serve you well in Memphis, too. The Memphis Police Department has developed a number of community outreach initiatives that can assist in their mission to reduce crime in Memphis. For example, did you know that you can allow the Memphis Police Department to have access to your video doorbell footage in the event of a nearby crime in your neighborhood? Neighborhood watch groups also serve an important purpose in protecting our community.

Q: Are there any resources for assisting the homeless?
A: Community Alliance for the Homeless is a private non-profit entity devoted to ending long-term homelessness and ensuring that future homelessness is rare, brief and one-time. Since 2020, the non-profit has had 20% more exits to permanent housing. The organization features numerous emergency shelters on their website, where those in need can learn where to go should they need a place to stay.

Q: Where is a good secured parking option Downtown?
A: There are plenty of places to park affordably and safely in Downtown Memphis. The Downtown Memphis Commission offers plenty of parking resources on their website, along with highlighting EV charging stations.

Q: What is the best way to get around Downtown?
A: Our Downtown is very walkable; in fact, Downtown Memphis is the most walkable district in our region. We also have plenty of options like Groove On-Demand, which works like a minibus providing transportation when you want, where you want. The price is $1.25 per ride, with the first 10 rides free, for fast, easy, affordable transportation around Downtown, as well as to the Medical District. This service is available via the Groove On-Demand app. To get around other parts of the destination, we recommend Lyft and Uber or renting a car.

Q: Tell me about the different neighborhoods in Memphis.
A: We encourage you to discover the authentic character, rich heritage and culture of Memphis through our vibrant neighborhoods. From Downtown to Midtown, East Memphis and beyond, our destination has a variety of neighborhoods worth exploring. Learn more about what makes each neighborhood so unique and worth exploring at MemphisTravel.