Justice department releases new accountability guidance for specialized crime units

Department of Justice (DOJ) released Tuesday's guidance to specialized police units ended a year-long effort that began after the killing of Tire Nichols in Memphis last January.

Officers with Memphis' SCORPION unit beat and killed Nichols last year after a traffic stop. The city later disbanded the SCORPION unit. Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of Nichols' death.

Five officers were charged with various felonies in the death, as well as federal civil rights, conspiracy and obstruction charges. A police officer has pleaded guilty to two felonies in federal court.

The Justice Department ordered new guidance after Nichols' killing, saying it could reduce oversight and transparency of the specialized unit. The Department of Justice also specifically investigated the Memphis Police Department.

“Following the tragic death of Tire Nichols and the public scrutiny of SCORPION units, we have developed a practical resource to help law enforcement and community leaders evaluate their agencies’ use of specialized units. “We have made it a priority for the Department of Justice to do so,” the Deputy Attorney General said. Vanita Gupta said in an article: statement.

This guidance outlines where and how special forces should be formed and how they should be managed.

Nichols' mother last year filed a $550 million lawsuit against the Memphis Police Department, claiming that the Memphis police chief had “turned a blind eye” to the Scorpion squad's “aggressive policing style” before the killing. filed a lawsuit.

An attorney representing the Nichols family said they “appreciate their dedication” to the new guidelines.

“We hope that police departments and chiefs across the country will strictly adhere to this guidance,” the attorneys said in a statement. Statement to ABC24 Memphis. “The unjust death of Tire Nichols and the circumstances surrounding that tragedy will not be forgotten soon. As we work to make this country a safer place for everyone, It is very important that we remember our history and learn from it.”