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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 Tyre Nichols died last year. The report highlighted instances where children had frightening interactions with officers.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan
On Wednesday, the Justice Department revealed the findings of its inquiry into the Memphis Police Department, concluding that they had engaged in excessive use of force, showed bias against Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreated individuals with mental health concerns. The report highlighted that these civil rights violations had a detrimental impact on the community.
In a 73-page report, it was emphasized how children were being treated, mentioning that they had faced hostile and scary interactions with officers. The report highlighted the case of an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems who had been approached by officers at least nine times between December 2021 and August 2023. During these encounters, he was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or even thrown by the officers.
Since January 2023, the Police Department has been facing criticism after officers fatally assaulted Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on his way home from work. The incident was caught on body and street cameras, leading to widespread outrage and reports from other community members about the department’s history of using excessive force.
After Mr. Nichols’s death, the Justice Department began looking into potential civil rights violations in what is called a pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five former Memphis officers, both federally and at the state level, in relation to the incident.
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 ensures their rights are protected, builds trust, and maintains their safety. Clarke mentioned that the agency is eager to implement changes that will rectify the issues they have uncovered.
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