Memphis Police Face Increased Scrutiny Following DOJ Report on Use of Force and Community Relations

Memphis Police Under Scrutiny: DOJ Report Highlights Concerns

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The air in Memphis is thick with concern as newly released findings from the Justice Department (DOJ) mirror long-standing issues reported by local investigators. It seems the bigger and brighter lights of the DOJ have finally shone on problems that have been festering in the Memphis Police Department (MPD) for years.

A Familiar Story

WREG Investigators have been diving deep into the murky waters of policing practices in Memphis, and their stories echo loudly in the DOJ’s report. Remember the officer caught on camera during a 2019 incident? That was officer William Skelton, and he was seen using pepper foam against a man accused of vandalism while he was in handcuffs. What’s even more alarming? The individual had a significant history of mental health issues and had undergone court-ordered psychiatric evaluations.

The former Memphis Police Director, Mike Rallings, was very vocal back then about the need for change. He pointed fingers at the healthcare system, particularly for mental health, saying, “Because there was a void of access to health care, especially mental health, law enforcement took over the mission.” But even with this kind of insight, the issues continued to be swept under the rug.

DOJ We’re Listening

The DOJ’s report reinforces what many citizens have felt — a blatant pattern of too much force and a serious disconnect between the police force and the community. They highlighted the “limited ways for behavioral health professionals to respond to 911 calls,”, making it painfully clear that tragedies could be avoided with the right resources in place.

WREG’s investigations revealed even more shocking tales. In one instance, officers confronted a 91-year-old man who was simply waving his walking stick. Instead of handling the situation with compassion, they pushed him against their squad car and handcuffed him. Another case saw officers apprehending a juvenile, despite her pleading that his arm was around her neck. Unfortunately, the MPD stood by their officers, claiming their actions were justified even after multiple complaints.

Statistics Speak Volumes

When you start adding numbers into the conversation, it becomes evident that the need for reform is urgent. WREG found that MPD used force against African-American men a shocking seven times more often than against white men. This contributed to the DOJ’s findings that showed a staggering 83% of abuse of force complaints involved Black individuals. That’s a resounding alarm that shouldn’t be ignored!

The Future of Policing in Memphis

The DOJ report didn’t just point fingers; it called for immediate actions. It highlighted major points like traffic stops, the infamous Scorpion Unit, and ongoing concerns about discriminatory practices and excessive use of force. Clearly, the community is calling for change, and it looks like the DOJ is backing that chorus.

To some, it may all seem overwhelming or even too frustrating to follow. However, knowing about these issues is the first step towards bringing real change. The Memphis community deserves to feel safe, knowing their police department is there to protect and serve rather than instill fear.

A New Hope

It’s uncertain what lies ahead, but local leaders, activists, and citizens are beginning to demand answers and change, as the DOJ continues to investigate and push for reforms in MPD practices. Accountability and transparency are key ingredients that will hopefully pave the way for the future of policing in Memphis.

As this story continues to unfold, stay tuned, Memphis! Change is on the horizon, and your voice matters.