State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. First elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020, Gillespie has been a strong advocate for increased investments in crime prevention methods and legislation targeting dangerous criminals.
Created in 1997, the Crime Commission is a private, nonprofit corporation that is governed by a diverse 50-member board of directors. Its mission is to improve public safety by identifying and advocating for best practices to prevent and reduce crime.
“Violent crime is currently crippling our great city,” Gillespie said. “As a public servant, it is our highest duty to put the safety and security of our citizens first. We will use every resource and tool to make Memphis the safest community with the best possible quality of life for everyone.”
Gillespie was a co-sponsor of Tennessee’s Truth in Sentencing Act earlier this year, which now requires violent offenders to serve their entire prison sentence. He was also the prime sponsor of a law that increased penalties for those who commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
He successfully sought to bring more Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to Memphis interstates in order to enhance road safety and free up local law enforcement to focus on patrolling neighborhoods. Gillespie is also a proud supporter of law enforcement and has been endorsed by the Memphis Police Association and the Shelby County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
“Public safety is my top priority in the Statehouse. I am honored by the opportunity to work with the other members of the Crime Commission and local law enforcement for solutions here at home,” Gillespie said.
A graduate of High Point University, Gillespie is a native Memphian. He supports the mission of a local senior living facility by serving as its grant coordinator, and is also a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
John Gillespie represents Tennessee House District 97, which includes much of East Memphis and part of Cordova.