Memphis Police department The ‘Scorpion’ unit involved in this has been closed in the fatal arrest of tyre nichols The day after officers released video of their beating to the public.
Video shows a violent confrontation between officers from the unit and 29-year-old Nichols, during which officers can be seen punching him and using batons and Taser weapons as he cries out for his mother.
The officers were seen standing around after the attack and laughing and joking about their role in the shocking arrest as they failed to provide any sort of medical care.
The decision to “permanently deactivate” the unit came after city Police Chief CJ Davis met with the unit’s remaining officers on Saturday to discuss how to move forward in the wake of Nichols’ death.
The department said, “In the process of listening carefully to Tyra Nichols’ family, community leaders and unaffiliated officers who have done a quality job in their assignments, it is in everyone’s best interest to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit.” Go.” a statement.
“The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step. While the heinous actions of some individuals cloud the title SCORPION with disgrace, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, engage in the healing process for all affected.” Take proactive steps.
The MPD said the department was “committed to taking every possible measure to rebuild the trust that was negatively affected by the death of Mr. Tyre Nichols.”
All former Memphis Police Department officers — Tedarius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr., and Justin Smith — have been charged with second-degree murder. The officers were fired last week following an investigation into Mr Nicholls’ death.
Each of the former officers is facing additional charges, which are aggravated assault – acting in concert; aggravated kidnapping; official misconduct and official harassment, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
The police department announced the officers’ firing on January 20.