A comprehensive investigation by the Justice Department shows the Memphis Police Department and City violates the Constitution and federal law.
During the investigation, the Justice Department found that Memphis police used excessive force, conducted unlawful stops, searches and arrests, and unlawfully discriminates against black people when enforcing the law.
The investigation also showed the Police Department and City unlawfully discriminates in their response to people with behavioral health disabilities.
The report identified serious concerns about the police department’s treatment of children, and attributed unlawful conduct to deficiencies in policy, training and supervision.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said the people of Memphis deserve a police department and city that protects their civil and constitutional rights and keeps them safe.
She acknowledged the cities cooperation in the investigation and said the Justice Department looks forward to instituting reforms to address the identified harms.
