Prom
Backed by
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 last year. The report highlighted that children, in particular, had faced intimidating and forceful interactions with police officers.
Written by Emily Cochrane and Shaila Dewan
A report from the Justice Department was made public on Wednesday, revealing findings that the Memphis Police Department had engaged in excessive use of force, discriminatory treatment against Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreatment of those with mental health problems. The report highlighted these civil rights violations as having a damaging impact on the community.
In a 73-page report, it was highlighted how children were treated, noting that they had faced intense and scary interactions with officers. The report mentioned a specific case of an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems who had multiple encounters with officers from December 2021 to August 2023. In these encounters, the boy was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or thrown.
The Police Department has been facing criticism since January 2023, when officers killed Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on his way home from work. The video footage from body and street cameras showing the incident led to widespread public outrage and accounts from other community members about the department’s history of using excessive force.
After the death of Mr. Nichols, the Justice Department initiated an investigation into potential civil rights violations, specifically looking into any patterns or practices of misconduct. This investigation is distinct from the charges brought against five former Memphis police officers related to the case, which involve both federal and state charges.
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 safeguards their rights, earns their trust, and ensures their safety. She also mentioned that the agency is eager to implement changes that will tackle the issues they have identified.
We are experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to activate JavaScript in
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently in Reader mode, please log out and sign into your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm access.
Are you currently a member? Please sign in.
Interested in accessing all of the content from The Times? Consider subscribing
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation for site information