Prom
Backed by
An investigation by the Justice Department found that Memphis Police used excessive force and discriminated against Black residents. The department has been facing criticism since the death of Tyre Nichols last year. The report highlighted instances where children, in particular, were subjected to intimidating and aggressive interactions with officers.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan
On Wednesday, the Justice Department published the findings of its inquiry into the Memphis Police Department, concluding that they had engaged in excessive force, displayed harsher treatment towards Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreated those with mental health conditions. The report highlighted that these civil rights violations had a damaging impact.
The report, which was 73 pages long, highlighted how children were treated in a concerning manner, describing their interactions with officers as aggressive and frightening. For example, an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems had multiple encounters with officers between December 2021 and August 2023, in which he was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or even thrown.
Since January 2023, the Police Department has been closely watched after officers fatally attacked Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on his way home from work. Video footage from body cameras and street cameras showing the incident sparked outrage across the country and led to testimonies from other residents detailing the department’s history of using excessive force.
After Mr. Nichols’s death, the Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation called a pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five ex-Memphis officers at both the federal and state levels in relation to the incident.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s civil rights division stated that the residents of Memphis should have a Police Department and local government that ensures their civil and constitutional rights are protected, builds trust within the community, and prioritizes their safety. She also mentioned that the agency is eager to implement changes that will correct the issues they have found.
We are experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To utilize all website functions, make sure to turn on JavaScript
We appreciate your patience as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access.
Are you already a member? Please sign in.
Interested in accessing all content from The Times? Subscribe now.
Prom
Index of Pages
Navigation for Site Information
