Prom
Backed by
An investigation by the Justice Department found that Memphis police officers used excessive force and discriminated against Black residents. The department had been facing criticism since the death of Tyre Nichols the previous year. The report highlighted instances where children, in particular, had been subjected to intimidating and aggressive interactions with officers.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan.
The findings of the Justice Department’s investigation into the Memphis Police Department were made public on Wednesday. The investigation revealed instances of excessive force, unequal treatment of Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreatment of individuals with mental health issues. The report highlighted the negative impact of these civil rights violations.
The report, which was 73 pages long, emphasized how children were treated by officers, stating that they were subjected to hostile and scary interactions. A specific case mentioned in the report involved an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems who had multiple encounters with officers between December 2021 and August 2023. During these encounters, he was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, and thrown.
The Police Department has faced criticism since January 2023, when 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 and street cameras showing the incident led to widespread outrage and accounts from other community members detailing the department’s history of using excessive force.
After Mr. Nichols died, the Justice Department started looking into potential civil rights violations through a pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five former Memphis police officers at both federal and state levels related to the incident.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division at the Justice Department expressed that the residents of Memphis should have a Police Department and local government that upholds their rights, builds trust, and ensures their safety. The agency is eager to implement changes that will rectify the issues they have identified.
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to turn on JavaScript
We appreciate your patience as we confirm access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please leave and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing for full access to The Times.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Are you currently a member? Please sign in.
Interested in having access to all of The Times content? Subscribe today
Prom
Index of Pages
Navigation for Site Information
