Key takeaways:
- The Memphis Police Department has permanently disbanded its SCORPION unit following the tragic death of Tyre Nichols.
- The decision was made after meeting with members of the unit and community leaders.
- The decision comes after the release of a video showing the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols and the Memphis Police Department is committed to “building trust and restoring faith” in the community.
The Memphis Police Department has permanently disbanded its SCORPION unit following the tragic death of Tyre Nichols earlier this month. Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis made the decision after meeting with members of the unit and community leaders.
In a statement, Chief Davis said it was in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the unit. She said the officers currently assigned to the unit agreed “unreservedly” with the step.
Chief Davis referred to “the heinous actions of a few” that cast “a cloud of dishonor” on the unit and said it was imperative that the department “take proactive steps in the healing process.” She said she listened to Nichols’ relatives, community leaders and uninvolved officers in making the decision.
The decision to disband the unit comes after the release of a video showing the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols. The video sparked outrage in the community and prompted calls for the unit to be disbanded.
The Memphis Police Department said it is committed to “building trust and restoring faith” in the community. It is unclear what will happen to the officers currently assigned to the unit.
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