Justice Department Launches Review of Memphis Police Department's Use of Force Policies

Strategic Insights -

The Justice Department is launching a review of the Memphis Police Department's use of force policies and practices, adding a new layer of federal scrutiny to an agency that has faced widespread criticism since the officers were videotaped beating Tyre Nichols in January. The review will encompass Memphis police training, policies, and activities related to using force, de-escalation efforts, and operating specialized units. This comes just over two months after officers in Memphis were recorded brutally beating Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, following a traffic stop. Nichols died three days later, and the beating led to the firing of seven officers, five of whom have been charged with second-degree murder and other counts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The review will examine Memphis police training, policies, and activities related to using force, de-escalation efforts, and operating specialized units.
  • The review will be conducted by the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and will conclude with a publicly-available report including its findings and recommended changes.
  • Five officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death were assigned to the Scorpion unit, which was shut down after the video footage of Nichols' beating was released.
  • Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis has said her department has long lacked an appropriate number of supervisors.
  • The Justice Department said it plans to "produce a guide" for local police chiefs and mayors to help them assess the appropriateness of the use of specialized units.

Statistics:

  • 7 officers were fired following the beating of Tyre Nichols
  • 5 officers charged with second-degree murder and other counts
  • 3 days after the beating, Tyre Nichols died
  • 20 hours of additional footage from the Nichols case is expected to be released on Wednesday afternoon

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • Justice Department announcement
  • Local prosecutor's office statement
  • Memphis Police Department statement
  • City of Memphis release