MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Department has increased its presence in Downtown Memphis with a new command center.

The Memphis Police Department and Downtown Memphis Commission held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Downtown Command Center on Thursday afternoon. The command center is housed at 250 Peabody Place.

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis spoke at the event. Davis called the new command center an example of a “proactive, transparent, community-driven” approach to policing.

Davis touted new initiatives and tools the police department has employed to fight crime, including an expanded homicide unit, a new domestic violence unit, the use of drones, and K-9 units that will soon have “gun detection capabilities.”

The police chief acknowledged that the city has had a “rough couple of weeks” in terms of crime. The city has experienced numerous shootings, including two mass shootings.

“The pain of these tragedies is being felt by all of us,” Davis said, “but we remain committed to doing everything in our power to stop the senseless loss of life and bring those responsible to justice.”

Davis said the new command center serves as an example of public and private partnerships working together.

“This is about all of us. Residents, businesses, law enforcement working together to protect what matters. You,” Davis said.

Downtown Memphis Commission President & CEO Chandell Ryan called the new command center a “moment to tell a new story about Downtown Memphis.”

Ryan said the command center will strengthen the “downtown security network,” and that network will have its own communications channels that will be plugged directly into the command center.

Ryan also announced that in a few weeks, the Downtown Memphis Commission will expand the Blue Suede Brigade Hospitality and Safety Team.

Ryan said the DMC will be partnering with Kentucky-based company Block by Block, which Ryan describes as a “national leader in safety and hospitality,” to keep downtown “safe, attractive, and welcoming.”

“So today, for me and for all of us actually, is not just about cameras,” Ryan said. “It’s about a commitment to building a downtown where everyone feels safe and welcome, and this is our moment to make that happen.”