Local News in Memphis: Police Department Disbands SCORPION Unit After Controversy Surrounding Deadly Arrest

The Memphis Police Department announced on Saturday that it has permanently deactivated its SCORPION unit, one day after the release of a video showing the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols earlier this month, as reported by CBS News on January 28, 2023.

Memphis police officers Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Dean, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin., and Desmond Mills Jr. are now facing murder charges. (Photo: Memphis Police Department)

The five former officers involved in Nichols’ arrest, who have been charged with second-degree murder in his death, were all part of the Scorpion unit. The decision to shut down the unit was made following a meeting between the head of police in Memphis, CJ Davis, and members of the unit to talk about the department’s and community’s plans moving forward after the tragic passing of Tyre Nichols.

The SCORPION unit, also known as the Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods, included more than two dozen officers tasked with taking on street crime. According to the department, they patrolled in groups and at times employed low-level traffic stops to uncover violent criminals, narcotics, or weapons. The unit had been inactive since the deadly arrest of Nichols.

On January 7, Nichols, a 29-year-old man, died after a violent arrest by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop. Five officers have been identified, all of whom were fired and charged with murder and other crimes, based on a CNN report on January 27, 2023.

The Memphis Police Department has stated that they are taking proactive steps towards healing, and an independent review of the training, policies, and operations of the specialized units is being initiated by the city.