Nichols’ death shined a bright light on the police department and chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, and calls for her ouster increased among activists and citizens frustrated with an increase in crime.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Memphis City Council committee voted Tuesday to replace police chief
The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation in July into how Memphis police officers use force and conduct arrests, one of several “patterns and practices” investigations it has undertaken in other cities. The probe is looking at how officers use force and conduct arrests, and answers long-standing calls for such an investigation from critics of the way police treat minorities in majority-Black Memphis.
In March, the Justice Department said it was conducting a separate review concerning use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in the police department.
Davis, the city and the former officers are also being sued by Nichols’ mother in federal court. Filed in April, the $550 million lawsuit blames them for his death and accuses Davis of allowing the Scorpion unit’s aggressive tactics to go unchecked despite warning signs.
The committee meeting was contentious at times, with council members questioning Davis about her record and whether her officers support her. A group of uniformed police officers sat in the audience in support of their boss. Some audience members held signs saying “We support chief Davis,” while others had signs saying “No on chief Davis.”
Davis made a presentation that detailed accomplishments during her tenure, including hiring more than 400 officers and expanding community-oriented policing. Young also spoke in support of her and the other people he recommended for appointment to city jobs.
But council chair JB Smiley Jr., who voted against Davis’ reappointment, said Memphis “deserves better.”
“Chief Davis had two and a half years,” Smiley said. “That’s ample time to get it right.”
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