The U.S. Department of Justice released a report after a 16-month investigation into the Memphis Police Department, finding that the department routinely violates Memphians’ civil rights. The report revealed that MPD uses excessive force, conducts unlawful stops, searches, and arrests, discriminates against Black people, and responds discriminately to residents with behavioral health disabilities. The report also highlighted troubling policing practices affecting vulnerable residents, including children.
The city of Memphis declined to enter into an agreement for federal oversight, which would have initiated negotiations for a consent decree. The report detailed instances of inappropriate use of force, racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests, and discrimination against people with mental health issues. The report also criticized MPD’s inadequate evaluation of their Crisis Intervention Team’s responses to mental health calls and their interactions with Memphis youth.
The report outlined a number of incidents where officers used excessive force, including unjustified neck restraints, force against restrained individuals, and shootings at moving vehicles. MPD’s training policies were highlighted as a contributing factor to the disproportionate use of force, as officers are trained to believe that force is the most likely way to end an encounter.
Furthermore, the report criticized MPD’s traffic stop practices, highlighting that officers frequently detain individuals during minor traffic stops with little supervision or justification. The report also pointed out disparities in enforcement in majority Black neighborhoods, leading to discrimination in traffic citations and arrests.
Overall, the DOJ’s report concluded that MPD engages in discriminatory practices, excessive force, and unlawful actions that violate the civil rights of Memphians, emphasizing the need for reform and oversight to address these issues.
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