The police chief is “permanently” deactivating the unit, including the five officers charged in the death of Tyree Nichols.
The US city of Memphis has disbanded its police force, including the five officers charged in the fatal beating of black motorist Tyree Nichols.
Memphis Police Chief Serlyn “CJ” Davis announced the move on Saturday, calling it a “cloud of shame.” Davis said in a statement that it was imperative that police “take proactive steps in the recovery process” and that “it is in everyone’s best interest to permanently disable the Scorpion unit.”
He said he made the decision after speaking with Nichols family members, community leaders and other officials.
His announcement came a day after police released a harrowing video of the beating of Nichols. when police kicked, punched and batoned him in his mother’s neighborhood after a Jan. 7 traffic stop. He was admitted to the hospital and died three days later due to the severity of his injuries.
Five black police officers involved in Thursday’s attack were charged with murder, assault, kidnapping and other charges.
All were fired from their departments.
Protesters marching in downtown Memphis cheered when they heard that the soldiers had dispersed.
