TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Mar 8, 2023

The U.S. Department of Justice today said it will conduct a review of the Memphis Police Department. The review, to be conducted by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, will look at policies, practices, training, data and processes related to the department’s use of force, de-escalation and specialized units. At the conclusion of the review, a public report outlining findings and recommendations will be issued. The DOJ also announced it would undertake a broader review of specialized law enforcement units across the country. That effort is designed to help police chiefs and mayors assess the appropriateness of specialized units and ensure the necessary management and oversight of such units. The decision comes as the Memphis City Council yesterday adopted several new ordinances designed to change how police interact with citizens during traffic stops. The Commercial Appeal has more on those proposals.