The particular job drive to which all 5 officers concerned in Tyre Nichols‘ dying belonged is being dismantled for good … an about-face after the highest canine stated she would not do it.
The Memphis Police Division 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 (Road Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) and mutually got here to the choice it would be finest to disband the unit in mild of every part.
MPD says they’ve made this resolution after listening to the household of Tyre, group leaders and the general public at massive — noting that the officers who’re a part of SCORPION, and who do wonderful work usually, “agree unreservedly with this subsequent step.”
Memphis Police Division
They add, “Whereas the heinous actions of some casts a cloud of dishonor on the title SCORPION, it’s crucial that we, the Memphis Police Division, take proactive steps within the therapeutic course of for all impacted.” MPD additionally says they need to restore belief ASAP.
Apparently, Chief Davis on Friday stated 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 loads 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 night time in query. SCORPION was fashioned in October 2021 and launched the next month … so it has been round for simply over a 12 months.
Memphis Police Division
In accordance with a MPD description of SCORPION on the time … the entire thought of it was to get about 40 officers break up into 4 groups to patrol “excessive crime hotspots” all all through Memphis.
Tyre’s site visitors stop-turned-chase occurred on the intersection of East Raines Highway and Ross Highway — close to the Autumn Ridge neighborhood … which seems to be one of many areas SCORPION was assigned to cowl. The actual fact 5 of its cops have been there isn’t a coincidence.
Memphis Police Division
The Chief has since stated 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.
