Report Disorderly Conduct or Loitering - New South Memphis

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In New South Memphis, Tennessee, residents and business owners can report disorderly conduct or loitering that threatens public safety or property. This guide explains who enforces city and municipal rules, the practical steps to file a complaint, likely sanctions, and how to appeal or request review. Use 911 for in-progress violent crimes or immediate danger; for non-emergency public-order concerns, follow the reporting options below to make a documented complaint that can be tracked and investigated.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of disorderly conduct and loitering generally falls to the Memphis Police Department and municipal code enforcement teams. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the primary municipal code pages cited below; see the listed official links for the controlling instruments and contact routes for complaints and investigations.[1][2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited municipal code page; refer to the enforcement contact for current penalty amounts and citation practices.[2]
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat offences, and continuing trespass or disorderly acts may be handled as separate citations, arrests, or orders to vacate; escalation details are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disperse, trespass notices, seizure of illegally used property, and criminal charges may be used depending on circumstances and officer discretion.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Memphis Police Department handles immediate response; non-emergency complaints can be submitted to MPD's non-emergency/reporting systems or through the City of Memphis reporting portal.[1][3]
  • Appeals and review: procedures for contesting citations or administrative orders are handled by the issuing agency or municipal court; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal pages and should be confirmed with the issuing office.[2]
  • Defences and discretion: officers may consider lawful purpose, presence of a permit, or other reasonable excuse; local ordinances and state law may provide specific defenses not listed on the cited municipal summary pages.[2]
Report situations that threaten safety or property immediately to police.

Applications & Forms

There is no single municipal "disorderly conduct" form published on the municipal code page; reports are usually taken through the Memphis Police Department, municipal 311/reporting portals, or by filing in-person at police precincts. For records requests, arrest reports, or citation copies, contact MPD records or the municipal clerk as directed on official pages.[1][3]

How to report disorderly conduct or loitering

  1. Immediate danger: call 911 and provide location, description of persons, and nature of the threat.
  2. Non-emergency: contact Memphis Police Department non-emergency reporting or use the City of Memphis online report/311 portal to create a documented complaint.[1][3]
  3. Collect evidence: note times, take photos or video if safe, and gather witness names and contact details.
  4. Submit follow-up: request a case number, obtain copies of reports, and check with MPD records for citation or arrest information.[1]
  5. Appeal or contest: if you receive a citation, follow instructions on the citation for municipal court or administrative review; contact the issuing agency for deadlines.
Document dates, times, and witnesses when you file a complaint.

Common violations

  • Loitering that materially interferes with business or safety (e.g., blocking entrances).
  • Disorderly conduct involving noise, fights, or intoxication in public spaces.
  • Trespass after notice to vacate or remain off property.

FAQ

How do I report non-urgent loitering or disorderly conduct?
Use the Memphis Police Department non-emergency reporting system or the City of Memphis online reporting/311 portal to create a complaint and obtain a case number.[1][3]
Will the city remove loiterers right away?
Removal depends on officer assessment, public-safety risk, and whether the persons have been given lawful notice; outcomes vary and enforcement actions are recorded by the responding agency.[1]
Can I get a copy of a citation or police report?
Yes, request records from MPD Records or follow the instructions provided with the citation; fees or identity verification may apply as described by the department.[1]

How-To

  1. Verify safety: if the situation is dangerous, call 911 immediately.
  2. Contact MPD via non-emergency phone or the City 311/report portal and describe the incident.
  3. Provide evidence: photos, video, and witness details when filing the report.
  4. Follow up: get a case number, request copies of reports, and inquire about next steps or court dates if applicable.

Key Takeaways

  • Use 911 for immediate danger and MPD non-emergency or 311 for other complaints.
  • Document time, place, evidence, and witnesses when reporting.
  • Appeals and fines follow the issuing agency's procedures; confirm deadlines with the issuing office.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Police Department - Official
  2. [2] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] City of Memphis - Report a Concern / 311

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