Residents are urged to read the proposed Charter changes (PDF), to visit the Shelby County web site or Charter Amendment to be Proposed by County Commission web page for more detailed information and to take advantage of the opportunity to comment directly to the Shelby County Commission.

Chairman David Lillard has been very active in publicizing the activities of the Shelby County Commission and providing an opportunity for all Shelby County residents to review actions by the County Commission and comment.

"I cannot overemphasize the importance to Lakeland (and any City in Shelby County other than Memphis) of the Shelby County Charter Amendments," said City Manager Bob Wherry.  

The proposed change is "Sheriff and other “Constitutional Officers” (Trustee, Register, County Clerk, Assessor) be ELECTED with the SAME title and duties and current constitutional officers." 

The Ad Hoc Committee on Law Enforcement Consolidation (which has ended) recently adopted a recommendation to the Shelby County Commission basically providing for the Sheriff (or the “Chief Law Enforcement Officer” of the County) to be appointed by the MEMPHIS MAYOR, meaning that Lakeland residents would have a Sheriff without any say in who is selected for the position.

Memphis Public Safety Commission Joint Resolution (PDF) - established to assist with negotiating "interlocal" law enforcement agreements

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