Memphis Police Under Scrutiny: DOJ Report Highlights Concerns
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ 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, โBecause there was a void of access to health care, especially mental health, law enforcement took over the mission.โ But even with this kind of insight, the issues continued to be swept under the rug.
DOJ We’re Listening
The DOJโs report reinforces what many citizens have felt โ a blatant pattern of too much force and a serious disconnect between the police force and the community. They highlighted the โlimited ways for behavioral health professionals to respond to 911 calls,โ, 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. Thatโs a resounding alarm that shouldnโt be ignored!
The Future of Policing in Memphis
The DOJ report didnโt 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
Itโs 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.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
