The U.S. Justice Department has accused the Memphis Police Department of using excessive force and discriminating against Black residents, urging significant reforms. The federal investigation, launched in July 2023 after the fatal beating of Black motorist Tyre Nichols by Memphis officers, revealed systemic misconduct. It found unlawful stops, searches, arrests, and discriminatory treatment of individuals with behavioral health disabilities and children who faced aggressive encounters with officers.
Memphis Police directed inquiries about the findings to City Hall, which plans a press conference on Thursday. City Attorney Tannera Gibson, in a letter to the Justice Department, criticized the investigation’s 17-month timeline, calling it unusually fast compared to typical probes. Gibson stated the city was not ready to negotiate reforms or commit to a consent decree, which often requires long-term oversight and systemic changes.
The Justice Department acknowledged some reforms had been implemented but emphasized the need for further changes. “The people of Memphis deserve a police department that respects their rights, builds trust, and ensures safety,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. Federal officials plan to engage the community for input on potential remedies.
In October, a federal jury convicted three former Memphis officers of witness tampering related to Nichols’ death but cleared them of the most severe charges. Two officers had already pleaded guilty and testified against their former colleagues. Three officers still face a murder trial in Tennessee state court in April.
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