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The Justice Department found that Memphis Police used excessive force and discriminated against Black residents. The department has been under investigation since the death of Tyre Nichols last year. The report highlighted incidents where children had negative interactions with officers that were described as aggressive and frightening.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan.
The findings of the investigation conducted by the Justice Department on the Memphis Police Department were made public on Wednesday. The investigation revealed instances of excessive force, discrimination against Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreatment of individuals with mental health issues. The report highlighted that these civil rights violations had a harmful impact on the community.
The report, which was 73 pages long, specifically highlighted how children were treated, noting that they had been subjected to intimidating and frightening interactions with officers. For example, one 8-year-old boy who had behavioral health problems had multiple encounters with officers between December 2021 and August 2023. During these encounters, he was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or even thrown.
The Police Department has faced criticism since January 2023, when officers fatally assaulted Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on his way home from work. Videos from body cameras and street cameras showing the incident led to a widespread outcry and accounts from other community members about the department’s history of using excessive force.
After Mr. Nichols’s death, the Justice Department launched an investigation into potential civil rights violations under a pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five former Memphis officers by federal and state authorities related to the same case.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the civil rights division of the Justice Department stated that the residents of Memphis should have a Police Department and local government that uphold their civil and constitutional rights, earn their trust, and ensure their safety. She also mentioned that the agency is eager to implement changes to rectify the issues that have been identified.
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