The Department of Justice will conduct a review of the Memphis Police Department’s policies and practices following the brutal beating death of Tyre Nichols.
According to the DOJ, the review was requested by Mayor Jim Strickland and MPD Chief Cerelyn Davis.
The announcement of the review comes almost two months after Tyre was tased and brutally beaten to death by police officers during a traffic stop.
Five Memphis cops, who are all Black, were charged with second-degree murder in Nichols’ death. They have pleaded not guilty.
The officers were part of a newly disbanded SCORPION unit, a specialized crime-fighting squad.
The Justice Department said it also ordered a separate, broad review of specialized law enforcement units.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement, “Justice Department has heard from police chiefs across the country who are assessing the use of specialized units.”
She added, “The COPS Office guide on specialized units will be a critical resource for law enforcement, mayors and community members committed to effective community policing that respects the dignity of community members.”
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Source: NY Daily News
