Memphis Police have spent a lot of time at the apartments, including 400 police calls in four months and a murder on May 18. A one-year-old child was shot in the leg in April.
The Shelby County District Attorney declared the apartment complex a public nuisance earlier this month. A court order now requires around the clock security, among other things.
"We're here to keep the residents safe and comfortable where they pay rent," said security guard Captain Valeria Cradler.
Since most of the crimes are committed by people who do not live in the apartments, guards screen everyone who comes and goes.
"We make sure you're able to come," said Cradler. "We check for warrants. If you have a warrant, we arrest you right on the spot."
Tenants have to stay on porches or in breezeways during the day and everyone must go inside at 8:00 p.m. The District Attorney's office said property owners have already begun to make other improvements ordered by the court, including posting no trespassing signs.
"Everybody is working toward a mutually beneficial solution to this and that's great," said District Attorney spokesman Vince Higgins.
Not everyone is comfortable with the crackdown. A resident contacted Action News 5 to complain about the hassle of being policed at her own home.
"She needs to think about what she's saying," said Cradler. "If it's a hassle for her, it's a hassle for a criminal."
Apartment complex owner Wendell Jacobson did not return Action News 5's calls Thursday. Jacobson is also required to conduct background checks on residents and anyone hired to work on the property.
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