Time has cooled down the tempers for the Memphis Police Association and the Wharton administration has launched a new anti-crime initiative. So maybe, both parties do want to sign a deal.

The union walked out of negotiation sessions two weeks ago with the city.

The union and the administration are already at odds over proposals to cut paid time off and pension benefits. The looming court case over the 4.6 percent pay cut in 2012 is complicating matters.

Union president Mike Williams said his organization is planning to take the issue to the residents as they have secured a permit to hold an informational picket in March.

"We feel there is a campaign, a negative campaign, that's going on against the police," he said.

Williams says the rank and file are ready to be part of Memphis Gun Down, but he says without a competitive contract the department will lose veteran officers who can make the policy work more effectively.