Memphis police ‘disband’ its SCORPION unit whose officers had thrashed Tyre Nichols fatally

The police chief in the United States’ city of Memphis announced, on Saturday (January 28) that they will “permanently deactivate” the SCORPION unit. The decision comes a day after the release of the body camera footage of Tyre Nichols being assaulted after a traffic check on January 7, Nichols died later and his death sparked widespread protests across several cities in the country. All the five now-former police officers involved in Nichols’ arrest and assaultand charged with his murder were part of the Memphis policing unit called SCORPION.

The SCORPION unit which stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods” was created in October 2021 after an uptick in violent crime in the city in the state of Tennessee. However, the has come under scrutiny and was severely criticised after it was first reported that its officers were involved in the alleged killing of the 29-year-old who was kicked, punched in the face and head, and assaulted with a baton as seen in the recently released footage.

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In the wake of Nichols’ death, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis who had earlier called for a review of all the specialised units, including the SCORPION, hasdisbanded the controversial unit citing a “cloud of dishonour”. In a statement posted on Twitter, the Memphis police said it was “in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate” the unit.

It added, “The officers currently assigned to the unit agree unreservedly with this next step. While the heinous actions of a few cast a cloud of dishonour on the title SCORPION, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted.” The development comes after Davis was previously adamant about retaining the unit and she had said in an interview with the Associated Press that she would not shut down a unit if a few officers commit “some egregious act”.

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According to a statement from Memphis police, on January 7 at around 8:30 pm (local time), officers pulled over a car for alleged reckless driving after which Nichols fled on foot. Subsequently, it led to another confrontation between the officers and Nichols. The 29-year-old passed away three days after the incident as he succumbed to injuries. The now former Black police officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills, Jr., Emmitt Martin III, and Justin Smith were involved in the incident, as per Shelby County Sheriff’s Office records, and have since been sacked.

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They have since been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct, and official oppression.

(With inputs from agencies)

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