The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched a civil rights investigation into town of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department. According to CNN, the investigation was introduced Thursday.
Additionally, the investigation arrives months after the passing of Tyre Nichols. Nichols was fatally overwhelmed by Memphis authorities following a visitors cease in January.
RELATED: Tyre Nichols’ Family Files $500 Million Civil Lawsuit Against Memphis And MPD Officers
More Details Regarding The DOJ’s Investigation
According to the outlet, the federal probe seeks to find out whether or not the MPD has dedicated “systemic violations” of the U.S. Constitution or federal legislation.
The outlet explicitly notes that this federal investigation is separate from the probe launched relating to Nichol’s dying.
Additionally, attorneys on behalf of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Western District of Tennessee have reportedly defined that the investigation was not prompted by “one incident.” However, it was prompted by “multiple reports of violence and racism” allegedly dedicated by the MPD, as per Commercial Appeal.
Attorney General Merrick Garland defined the intention of the investigation through a press release shared by CNN.
“At the Justice Department, we are committed to using all our tools to help ensure that Memphis residents have a safe community and can trust in the actions of law enforcement.”
Reports Received By The DOJ Against The City Of Memphis & Its Police Department
According to Commerical Appeal, the DOJ has obtained a number of stories of MPD officers escalating public interactions with “excessive force.” Additionally, stories have been obtained that allege officers additionally use such pressure when coping with people who find themselves already restrained.
The stories allegedly add that the cases lead to “serious physical injuries” for these concerned.
Furthermore, the DOJ has additionally obtained stories that officers train “racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations.”
“Other information indicates the Memphis Police Department may be using an approach to street enforcement that can result in violations of federal law, including racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations,” Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke shared. “Such encounters can be harmful and can also violate the law. Our review indicates that even in a majority Black city, MPD’s traffic enforcement may focus disproportionately on the Black community.”
What Will Take Place After The DOJ’s Investigation
According to Clarke, the division plans to work “expeditiously” on the investigation. Additionally, Clarke defined {that a} public report might be shared relating to its findings.
“If there is reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of constitutional or statutory violations, we will issue a public report of our conclusions…”
Additionally, Clarke defined that the federal authorities will try and “work cooperatively with the city and the police department” to implement “remedies” for the findings.
“We will then aim to work cooperatively with the city and the police department to reach an agreement on remedies.”
However, Commercial Appeal stories that if no treatment might be agreed upon between the 2 entities, the DOJ might “bring a civil lawsuit to seek injunctive relief.”
According to Clarke, the Memphis police chief and chief authorized officer of town have “pledged their cooperation.”
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