MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says that there were 42% more arrests this October compared to last year.

When comparing the last two Septembers, SCSO reports 14% more arrests this year.

The sheriff’s office attributed the sudden upswing to the Memphis Safe Task Force, which began operations September 29.

“These rising numbers are placing significant strain on both staffing and housing resources,” SCSO said in a statement Wednesday.

Local leaders have been vocal about the task force’s pressure on the jail since the operation’s launch, but the year-over-year arrest comparisons in Wednesday’s statement provide new insight into the task force’s impact.

PRIOR COVERAGE Shelby Co. General Sessions clerk: Judges won’t hold night court to ease jail overcrowding

See Full Page