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A recent investigation by the Justice Department found that Memphis Police had engaged in excessive force and discrimination against Black residents. The department came under scrutiny following the death of Tyre Nichols. The report highlighted instances where children had been subjected to intimidating and aggressive behavior by officers.
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, unequal treatment towards Black individuals compared to white individuals, and mistreatment of those with mental health problems. The report highlighted how these civil rights violations had a negative impact on the community.
The report, which was 73 pages long, focused on how children were treated, highlighting instances where they had negative interactions with officers that were aggressive and frightening. One specific case mentioned in the report was an 8-year-old boy with behavioral health problems who had multiple encounters with officers between December 2021 and August 2023. During these encounters, the boy was threatened, pushed, handcuffed, or thrown by the officers.
Since January 2023, the Police Department has faced 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, recorded on body and street cameras, sparked a widespread public outcry and led to testimonies from other residents regarding the department’s history of using excessive force.
After Mr. Nichols died, the Justice Department started looking into potential civil rights violations in what is called a pattern-or-practice inquiry. This investigation is different from the charges brought against five former Memphis police officers in relation to the same case.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the civil rights division of the Justice Department stated that the residents of Memphis deserve a Police Department and city that upholds their civil and constitutional rights, earns their trust, and ensures their safety. She also expressed the agency’s anticipation for implementing changes to address the issues that were identified.
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