By GRAHAM SWEENEY and CAROLYN BAHM
Magic Valley Publishing
While some municipalities throughout Shelby County started enforcing temporary nightly curfews this week, Bartlett hasn’t instituted such a policy. Curfews are a precaution in response to downtown violence and property damage that followed weekend protests against police brutality.
Bartlett Police Chief Jeff Cox said Tuesday, “We don’t feel like it’s necessary at this point. Right now we don’t have any credible threats to the City of Bartlett.”
He added that Bartlett is working closely with the other Shelby County municipalities to monitor the situation closely in case it changes.
Millington, Arlington, Lakeland and Collierville currently have no curfews.
Memphis has a curfew of 10 p.m.-6 a.m. that began Monday. At press time on Tuesday, Memphis had extended the curfew through 6 a.m. June 3 but had not yet indicated whether the restriction is or is not likely to be renewed.
“We will continue the curfew as long as necessary,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. “What this means is if you’re out during these hours, you can be arrested with the exception of essential workers and those experiencing a medical emergency. We are not requiring businesses to close down. The order prohibits people from being in the streets or on public property, unless traveling for reasons of employment, health or safety.”
Check the city’s website at memphistn.gov for updates.
Germantown also has a new curfew of 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Those traveling to and from work or those experiencing a medical emergency will be exempt from this curfew. The curfew, which began on Monday, is being implemented as a precautionary measure as there is no known credible community threat currently.
The Germantown Police Department reminds residents to be aware of their surroundings and call 911 if there is an emergency. GPD will continue to monitor the situation locally.
