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The Department of Justice found that Memphis Police have used excessive force and discriminated against Black residents. This has been a concern since the death of Tyre Nichols. The report highlighted that children, in particular, have had negative interactions with officers that have been aggressive and intimidating.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan
On Wednesday, the Justice Department published the findings of its inquiry into the Memphis Police Department, revealing instances of excessive force, discrimination against Black individuals compared to white individuals, and misconduct towards individuals with mental health conditions. The report highlighted that these civil rights violations had a damaging impact.
In a 73-page report, it was emphasized how children were treated poorly, with instances of aggressive and intimidating interactions with officers. The report highlighted the case of 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 even thrown.
In January 2023, the Police Department came under investigation 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 recorded by body and street cameras, leading to widespread public outrage and testimonies from other community members detailing the department’s history of using excessive force.
Six months after Mr. Nichols’s death, the Justice Department began investigating potential civil rights violations through 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 of the Justice Department’s civil rights division stated on Wednesday that the residents of Memphis should have a Police Department and city that upholds their civil and constitutional rights, builds trust, and ensures 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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