Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said the department has been asking for more federal help for several years. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht for Tennessee Lookout)

Tennessee National Guard troops will be deputized as part of an “accelerated” crime-fighting effort set to start next week in Memphis but will not make arrests or carry weapons unless requested by police, Gov. Bill Lee said Friday.

“Information from the police department … on what support they need will determine and drive whether or not a particular National Guardsman is armed,” he said.

The governor announced the state will direct $100 million toward a state, federal and local partnership to crack down on crime. Some 300 Tennessee Highway Patrol officers will be assigned to the city along with an undetermined number of Guard perso

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