A former Chicago detective has suggested that the city could learn from Memphis, where murders have significantly dropped since the deployment of National Guard members. In Memphis, homicides fell by 43.7% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association. This decrease followed an executive order by President Donald Trump in September 2025 that approved National Guard deployment.
On a single Monday night, nine people were shot in Chicago, with three fatalities. Among the incidents was a shooting on Chicago’s Near North Side, where two men were critically injured. This highlights the ongoing crime issues in the city.
Officer Shortage and Crime Prevention
Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy has criticized the city’s lack of cooperation with federal resources amid a shortage of officers. Chicago has around 2,500 fewer officers now compared to two or three years ago. Roy emphasized that the city cannot continue to do more with fewer resources. Effective crime prevention requires cooperation between local and federal authorities, particularly in street-level policing.
Recruitment and Budget Challenges
The city’s police training and hiring have slowed, with about 50 recruits per month. This change was implemented to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Training was paused in November 2025, affecting the recruitment of new officers.
Memphis: A Model for Crime Reduction
“Memphis is a success story on how this can work out… It’s produced the results,” Roy remarked.
He noted that Memphis succeeded due to effective collaboration between local, state, and federal entities. Despite initial reluctance at the city level, cooperation from the governor down led to positive outcomes. The presence of law enforcement serves as a deterrent, discouraging potential criminals.
National Guard Deployment for Crime Deterrence
Roy stated that deploying the National Guard in Chicago could be beneficial if properly executed, mirroring the cooperation seen in Memphis and other areas. He cited New York as a precedent where Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard members to deter crime in subway systems, proving that a proactive approach can serve as a deterrent.
Efforts to contact the Chicago Police Department and Illinois Governor’s office are ongoing. For further information, Fox News Digital’s reporter Adam Sabes can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @asabes10.