Data-driven policing at forefront of discussions over Memphis police tactics
Memphis is re-evaluating its policing tactics, including the use of data-driven special units like SCORPION, in the wake of the Tyre Nichols death.
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Memphis is re-evaluating its policing tactics, including the use of data-driven special units like SCORPION, in the wake of the Tyre Nichols death.
The head of the union representing city firefighters defended the department’s employees in a letter to City Council members.
The appeal also called for the sixth officer identified and fired in the beating of Nichols to face criminal charges.
The dedication was prompted by photos Nichols took in the park, including of sunsets on the river that the canopy overlooks.
Seven officers among 29 identified SCORPION unit members had previous infractions, records show.
“Unquestionably, the level of crime in Memphis is unacceptable. But we will never be able to bring it under control by having police be meaner than the criminals.”
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus said during an interview on Politics Nation on MSNBC on Jan. 29 that he extended the invitation to the family.
Memphis City Council members came with questions about police culture and some criticism of the administration during an extended Tuesday, Feb. 7, discussion about the death of Tyre Nichols. That was followed by a series of first council votes on a package of 8 police reform measures.
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis told Memphis City Council members that the total number of officers now facing internal police charges is 13. Former MPD Officer Demetrius Haley took photos of Tyre Nichols after beatingRelated story:
The unusually long committee discussion comes with six ordinance proposals that would reform police policies and begins with what are expected to be lots of questions for Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis.
The two resolutions approved unanimously drew criticism from activists because they are not binding on law enforcement. Commissioners are exploring ways to draft them as ordinances that could be more binding on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The two resolutions signal a return to the issue of use of force by law enforcement for the commission as well as the Memphis City Council nearly three years after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis prompted votes by both bodies on a series of similar resolutions.
A moment-by-moment look at the video reveals exactly how long Nichols went without medical attention after he was beaten by MPD officers, even after other officers, Memphis Fire Department EMTs and a Sheriff’s Deputy arrived.
G. Scott Morris says the future of Memphis will be built by young people taking up the challenge to redesign the fabric of what makes Memphis a great city.
One group camped in the middle of a Downtown intersection to make their demands known. Another rolled out a freewheeling celebration of a fellow skateboarder. Swift release of Nichols’ bodycam footage hasn’t opened door for other MPD videosRelated story:
The quick release of footage of the Tyre Nichols’ beating is an anomaly for MPD, which has not released video or other details in a series of officer-involved shootings since November.
Photographer Patrick Lantrip captured some of those attending Tyre Nichols’ funeral including Tristan Strickland, who drove all the way from Michigan to pay his respects.
“This is perhaps one of the most horrific and difficult periods locally in our recent history.”
The review of the department will include a look at special police units and use-of-force policies. It is the second MPD review by the Justice Department in six years. A 2016 review was cut short by the Trump administration.
Hemphill is the sixth MPD officer to be fired for violating police policies in the Jan. 7 death of Tyre Nichols. State board suspends 2 of 3 fired EMTs over failure to help Tyre NicholsRelated story:
The Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Board voted unanimously Friday, Feb. 3, to suspend the licenses of former Memphis Fire Department EMTs JaMichael Sandridge and Robert Long, effective immediately.
During the Tyre Nichols funeral, the forceful messages from the pulpit and soul-stirring music from the choir celebrated Nichols’ life, but the service also became a spark for a renewed call for police reform — locally and nationally.
“There is both urgency and conviction here in what to do about the killing of Tyre Nichols, in what to do about police brutality, and it has national implications. We’re doing it. We must do it. And in memory of your gentle soul, Mr. Nichols, we must continue.”
“I was just trying to turn a negative into a positive. That’s my main goal today.”
Memphians, who already feel beleaguered by violent crime that at times seems out of control, must now come to grips with the fact that elements within the police department — however small — are partakers of criminal violence themselves.