Due to the recent health cuts affecting public servants such as the Memphis Police Department, 552 Memphis police officers reportedly called in sick to demonstrate their power and leverage of not fighting crime in the streets of Memphis. According to reports the ‘Blue Flu’ was expected to happen, however, not foreseen at a rate this large.
[WMC News Excerpt]
–“As of 8:15 Tuesday morning, there are 552 MPD officers out sick and not on the streets.
MPD Director Toney Armstrong addressed the media about concerns of the demonstration and said public safety has not been compromised. Armstrong asked the media to cut cameras, because it was unclear he was on live television; he then took media’s questions to break down the numbers.
The sick calls began June 30; a little more than a dozen were out before that.
On Saturday, police were forced to call in Shelby County deputies to help man Beale Street, which is usually protected by Memphis police officers.
By Sunday, 308 officers had called out sick and police had an emergency meeting with the sheriff. Later in the day Sunday, the mayor and police director held a news conference acknowledging some type of demonstration is underway.
From June 30 to early Monday, 481 officers called out. As of early Monday evening, 522 officers are not at work. As of Tuesday morning, the number of officers out sick stands at 552.
The New Allen police precinct in North Memphis takes the most crime calls in the whole city. Residents there are torn over what has been dubbed the “Blue Flu.”
“We’re in a catch 22 as citizens because, yes, we want the protection, we need the protection, we deserve the protection, but they need their rights protected, too,” said Memphis resident Harriet Stanton.
Others are upset about the effects the “Blue Flu” could have on public safety and because taxpayers could have to pay overtime to the officers who are backing up the officers who called in sick.
“I think they should be fired because it’s a responsibility for us that we have to be protected,” said Helen Fulp.”–
What do you think about this move from the MPD? Was their ‘Blue Flu’ demonstration acceptable or a risk to public safety? Let us know what you think!
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