Beale Street Security Questioned Following Rowdy Weekend

Beale Street Security Questioned Following Rowdy Weekend

Dangerously large crowds at Memphis' famous Beale Street led to road closures and arrests over the weekend.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 29, 2019

City officials and police in Memphis, Tenn. are trying to figure out the best way to deter crowds and disorderly on the city's most famous road: Beale Street. 

Despite the recent additions of steel bollards at four locations around Beale Street and other security and safety enhancements, police are still trying to get a handle on the dangerous situations that play out. 

Just this past weekend, three people were arrested after the barricades couldn't stop a crowd of people from rushing Beale Street at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday. Police say the crowds became dangerous and unruly, leading to the closing of the street. The mounted patrol was also brought in.

Local News Channel 3 reported that the City Council has voted to reinstate a fee for patrons who wish to party on Beale Street. The fee to enter would be $5 and would dramatically cut down on the amount of people on the street.

Police Director Mike Rallings admits that he used to be again the fee, but now says that after 23 stampedes on the street he is desperate for anything that would limit people. 

"Twenty-three stampedes occurred when we didn't do Beale Street Bucks, and one occurred when we did," Rallings said. "So it looks like Beale Street Bucks work."

Memphis has been working to improve the safety and security of Beale Street for quite some time, asking a security and safety consultant to recommend improvements in 2018.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

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