A former Chicago detective suggests that Chicago could learn from Memphis, a city where murders significantly decreased after National Guard members were deployed. In Memphis, homicides dropped by 43.7% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period the previous year, as reported by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September 2025, authorizing the National Guard deployment to Memphis.

Chicago experienced a violent Monday night with nine people shot, including three fatalities. In one case, gunfire critically injured two men in the Near North Side neighborhood.

When we were in our living room, and we thought that another sporadic rainstorm hit Chicago, so we go outside in the windows, next thing you know, we just hear like lights everywhere one person told FOX 32.

Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy criticized Chicago’s approach, noting the lack of federal resource utilization amidst a police officer shortage.

Chicago faces a deficit of 2,500 police officers from two or three years ago, according to Roy. He stressed the importance of federal cooperation in street-level policing, which he claims is almost non-existent.

The shortage is exacerbated by the decision to pause training academy classes and slow hiring to about 50 recruits per month, due to a $1.2 billion budget shortfall.

Roy highlights Memphis as a successful model where effective collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies reduced crime. In Memphis, such cooperation, despite some reluctance at the local level, led to positive outcomes.

The presence of law enforcement acts as a deterrent to crime, Roy asserts. The visibility of police might discourage criminal activities like theft or burglary.

Memphis reported 67 homicides in the first half of 2026, a drop from 119 in the same period of 2025, as per the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Roy believes a similar intervention in Chicago would lead to success, mirroring effective efforts in Memphis and other areas.

Deploying the National Guard is not unprecedented for crime deterrence. In March 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard members to NYC’s subway system to counteract a series of high-profile crimes.

For those contemplating criminal activities on the subway, Hochul believes the presence of the National Guard serves as a deterrent, making them reconsider their decisions.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Chicago Police Department and Illinois governor’s office for comments. Story tips can be sent to Adam Sabes at Fox News Digital.