Justice Department Commences Extensive Investigation of Memphis Police Practices After Tyre Nichols’ Death

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The U.S. Department of Justice declared on Thursday that it is launching an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Memphis Police Department in Tennessee. This investigation comes nearly seven months after the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by five officers during a traffic stop.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, from the Civil Rights Division, made the announcement in Memphis. The federal authorities plan to conduct a comprehensive review of the Memphis Police Department’s use of force, traffic stops, searches, arrests, and any potential discriminatory policing practices.

Clarke highlighted that even in a majority Black city like Memphis, the police department may be disproportionately targeting Black drivers for traffic enforcement. The investigation will thoroughly examine both the city and its police department. It’s important to note that the probe is not centered solely around Tyre Nichols’ death but encompasses a broader assessment of police practices within the agency.

The case of Tyre Nichols is one of several problematic incidents involving the killing of Black individuals by the police in recent years, fueling nationwide calls for police reform.

In a news release, Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed, “The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country. The Justice Department is launching this investigation to examine serious allegations that the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race, including a dangerously aggressive approach to traffic enforcement.”

Clarke further mentioned that the Department of Justice has received reports of officers escalating encounters with community members, using excessive force punitively, and applying force against restrained or in-custody individuals.

Rodney Wells, Nichols’ stepfather, expressed his hope that the investigation will lead to positive changes in how the police interact with citizens in Memphis. He stated, “We’re moving in the right direction, trying to get some justice.”

As part of the investigation, federal investigators will accompany Memphis police officers on patrol and conduct interviews with them. The Justice Department has informed both the police chief and the mayor about the investigation, and they have pledged to cooperate.

However, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland expressed disappointment, stating, “I was not granted by the Department of Justice to discuss this step before a decision was made to move down this path. I hope the remainder of the process is more forthright and inclusive than it has been so far.”

Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis asserted that officers are expected to follow their training and department policies, but she acknowledged that the officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ case did not uphold these tenets. The Scorpion unit to which these officers belonged has been disbanded following Nichols’ death.

In addition to the five officers charged with murder, one white officer involved in the initial traffic stop has been fired, and another officer has been fired but not identified. One officer retired before facing termination.

The investigation comes after activists have been calling for a pattern or practice investigation into the Memphis police for years, citing several incidents, including the fatal shooting of Darrius Stewart during a traffic stop in 2015 and a federal court order regarding improper police surveillance of activists.

Similar Department of Justice probes have taken place in Minneapolis and Louisville, uncovering systemic discrimination and constitutional rights violations before the high-profile deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, respectively.

These investigations can be lengthy, but they may result in agreements mandating reforms overseen by an independent monitor and approved by a federal judge. Federal oversight may continue for years based on their findings.

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More about Police practices

• “Justice Department Announces Broad Investigation of Memphis Police Practices After Tyre Nichols Death” (Source: NBC News)
• “Memphis Police Department Faces DOJ Probe Following Tyre Nichols’ Death” (Source: Commercial Appeal)
• “Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Statement on the Investigation” (Source: Justice Department News Release)
• “Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s Announcement in Memphis” (Source: Local News Coverage)
• “Calls for Police Reform After Tyre Nichols’ Death” (Source: The Washington Post)
• “Memphis City Council’s Preceding Ordinance on Pretextual Traffic Stops” (Source: Memphis Flyer)
• “Previous DOJ Probes into Minneapolis and Louisville Police Departments” (Source: NPR)
• “Memphis Activists Advocate for Police Investigation” (Source: The Guardian)
• “Memphis Police Director Cerelyn Davis’ Statement on Officers’ Actions” (Source: CNN)
• “Overview of Tyre Nichols Case and Officers’ Charges” (Source: ABC News)