MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis is no longer Tennessee’s main field office for the FBI, replaced by Nashville as the new home. But, with Memphis’ continuous crime, city leaders questioned if this was the right move.
The FBI’s Tennessee field office has officially been given to the capital city this Month, and the Memphis FBI office is officially downgraded to a “resident agency,” along with Knoxville.
“I want to be very clear, we are not leaving. We are not leaving Memphis,” said FBI Director Chris Wray.
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Wray cleared up questions about the move this summer with Congressman Steve Cohen.
“Strange as it might sound, it’s going to allow us to increase the number of agents who will be assigned to the Memphis office, including to tackle things like violent crime, which I know is of huge concern,” said Wray.
This is a huge concern for many, as Memphis topped record homicide rates back to back for two years in a row.
In a statement, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says regardless of the move, their relationship remains strong and collaborative.