DOJ Ends Memphis Police Investigation Retracts Civil Rights Findings

The U.S. Department of Justice has officially closed its investigation into the Memphis Police Department (MPD) and retracted previous findings that accused MPD of constitutional and civil rights violations, including excessive force and discriminatory practices following the death of Tyre Nichols. The city of Memphis had declined to enter into a consent decree after the DOJ's initial report, and no lawsuit was filed to enforce such a decree. This move is part of a broader DOJ decision to dismiss Biden-era police investigations and consent decrees in multiple cities, including Louisville and Minneapolis, with officials criticizing overbroad federal oversight of local policing. DOJ officials stated they remain committed to supporting police departments through grants and technical assistance, but emphasized a shift away from federal intervention in local police matters. The department also announced the closure of similar investigations in other cities such as Phoenix, Trenton, Mt. Vernon, Oklahoma City, and the Louisiana State Police. The decision marks a significant rollback of federal civil rights enforcement initiated during the Biden administration.