The Memphis Police Department announced Saturday that it has permanently deactivated its “Scorpion Unit” after the death of Tire Nichols.
Members of the Scorpion Unit were involved in the traffic stop on January 7 that authorities say resulted in Nichols’ death at a local hospital days later.
“Today, Memphis police officers assigned to the SCORPION (Street Crime Operations to Restore Peace to Our Neighborhoods) Unit met with Chief Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis to discuss the way forward for the department and the community after of the tragic death of Tire Nichols,” Memphis police said in a statement. “In the process of listening carefully to the family of Tire Nichols, community leaders and uninvolved officers who have done quality work on their assignments, it is in everyone’s best interest to permanently deactivate the SCORPION Unit.”
“The officers currently assigned to the unit wholeheartedly agree with this next step. While the egregious actions of a few cast a cloud of dishonor on the SCORPION title, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, take action.” proactive in the healing process for all affected,” the police department said.
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Memphis Police Department officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills and Justin Smith were fired Jan. 18 for their roles in the arrest of the late Tire Nichols.
(Memphis Police Department)
Five former Memphis police officers were fired after the incident and are being charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and other charges.
The Associated Press and Fox News’ Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
