The Memphis Police Department has announced it will “permanently deactivate” its SCORPION unit after the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on January 7.
Five officers involved in the incident, all members of the unit, have been charged in Nichols’ death.
In a statement, Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said that the actions of the few officers involved “casts a cloud of dishonor” on the unit, there is more to to be done towards the healing process for all those impacted.
“It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,” she said in a statement. She said the officers currently assigned to the unit “agree unreservedly” with the step.
The department’s decision to disband the unit followed calls from Nichols’ family to dismantle it.
According to Antonio Romanucci, the attorney for Nichols’ family, specialized police units like SCORPION target the “most vulnerable” in society. He has called on law enforcement agencies nationwide to examine their saturation units.
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) January 28, 2023