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Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, the DOJ finds

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded that the Memphis Police Department (MPD) engages in a pattern of excessive force and discriminatory practices against Black individuals, according to a report released on December 5, 2024. The investigation, initiated after the death of Tyre Nichols in January 2023, found that MPD officers frequently use force unnecessarily, including during minor traffic stops and against individuals who are not resisting or posing a threat. The report highlighted systemic issues such as racial bias in policing, with Black Memphians being disproportionately stopped, searched, and subjected to force compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, the DOJ criticized the MPD's use of specialized units like the SCORPION Unit, which was involved in Nichols' death, for lacking proper oversight and engaging in aggressive tactics. The findings suggest that these practices violate constitutional rights and federal law, prompting calls for significant reforms within the department.

Read the Full KGOU Article at:
[ https://www.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2024-12-05/memphis-police-use-excessive-force-and-discriminate-against-black-people-the-doj-finds ]