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The Justice Department found that Memphis Police used too much force and discriminated against Black residents. The department has been closely watched since the death of Tyre Nichols. The report highlighted that children, in particular, had faced intimidating 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. The report concluded that the department had engaged in excessive force, displayed harsher treatment towards Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreated individuals with mental health concerns. The report highlighted that these civil rights violations had a damaging impact.
In a 73-page report, it was highlighted how children were treated poorly, with instances of aggressive and scary interactions with officers. For example, an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems had multiple encounters with officers between December 2021 and August 2023, where he was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or thrown.
Since January 2023, the Police Department has faced criticism after an incident where officers fatally beat Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop as he was heading home from work. The video footage from body and street cameras showing the violence sparked widespread outrage and led to other residents coming forward with accounts of the department’s history of using excessive force.
Following the death of Mr. Nichols, the Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation under the pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five former Memphis officers at both the federal and state levels in relation to the 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 city that prioritizes their civil and constitutional rights, builds trust, and ensures their safety. She also mentioned that the agency is eager to implement changes that will correct the issues they have identified.
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