Christopher Smitherman gave the keynote address at the annual Police Memorial on May 10, 2022. Law enforcement officials, community leaders, elected officials, and family and friends of officers gathered on Fountain Square to remember those who have been killed in the line of duty.

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Smitherman spoke out against defunding the police, and emphasized the need for strong community support for law enforcement. Smitherman also called for the funding and construction of a new regional police training facility.