The particular activity drive to which all 5 officers concerned in Tyre Nichols‘ demise belonged is being dismantled for good … an about-face after the highest canine mentioned she would not do it.
The Memphis Police Department introduced Saturday they have been deactivating the SCORPION Unit efficient instantly … this within the wake of public outcry following the launch of physique cam footage that confirmed 5 cops detaining and brutally beating Nichols on Jan. 7.
The division says Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis met with the remaining officers that have been a part of SCORPION (Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) and mutually got here to the choice it might be greatest to disband the unit in gentle of all the things.
MPD says they’ve made this determination after listening to the household of Tyre, group leaders and the general public at giant — noting that the officers who’re a part of SCORPION, and who do advantageous work usually, “agree unreservedly with this subsequent step.”
Memphis Police Department
They add, “While the heinous actions of some casts a cloud of dishonor on the title SCORPION, it’s crucial that we, the Memphis Police Department, take proactive steps within the therapeutic course of for all impacted.” MPD additionally says they need to restore belief ASAP.
Interestingly, Chief Davis on Friday mentioned she would not be shutting down SCORPION … telling AP, “The entire concept that the Scorpion unit is a foul unit, I simply have an issue with that.”
There’s been lots of digging into what this unit was/why officers who have been in it had any motive to return into contact with Tyre on the evening in query. SCORPION was shaped in October 2021 and launched the next month … so it has been round for simply over a 12 months.
Memphis Police Department
According to a MPD description of SCORPION on the time … the entire concept of it was to get about 40 officers break up into 4 groups to patrol “excessive crime hotspots” all all through Memphis.
Tyre’s visitors stop-turned-chase occurred on the intersection of East Raines Road and Ross Road — close to the Autumn Ridge neighborhood … which seems to be one of many areas SCORPION was assigned to cowl. The truth 5 of its cops have been there isn’t any coincidence.
Memphis Police Department
The Chief has since mentioned no proof has surfaced for why Tyre was pulled over within the first place. Reckless driving was cited, however proof of possible trigger for that’s nonexistent.
Tyre died from his accidents, and the 5 officers have subsequently been charged with homicide. Nationwide protests have erupted … and the Nichols household has demanded accountability.