MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the Memphis Safe Task Force officially rolls out Monday, Sept. 29, Memphians are sharing mixed feelings about the arrival of the National Guard and more than 20 federal agencies.

On Beale Street, where tourists and locals gather every weekend, some say the Guard’s presence could make the area safer.

“I think it may be a good thing," said Dontavious Wallace, a Beale Street Flipper. "I just hope when they do come, they come to Beale Street. Just make it safer. Just don’t come and run the people off and scare them away. Just make it for the better.”

Other residents are more skeptical, saying investment in programs would be a better approach than a military presence.

“I don’t really feel like we need the National Guard here,” Rewa Schlosser said. “Bringing in the milita

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