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Justice Department Announces Pattern or Practice Investigation of the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department
“Every person is entitled to constitutional and non-discriminatory policing in our country. Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information provided to us, there are grounds to open this investigation now.”
-Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
“We have reviewed information that indicates that the Memphis Police Department may be using an approach to street enforcement that can result in violations of federal law, including racially discriminatory stops of Black people for minor violations. The Justice Department will conduct a thorough and objective investigation into allegations of unlawful discrimination and Fourth Amendment violations. Unlawful policing undermines community trust, which is essential to public safety.”
-Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
“I welcome this opportunity to let the facts lead in what will be an ongoing and important discussion about civil rights in our city. I also want to assure the public that our team of federal prosecutors will continue to partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to vigorously prosecute criminal activity and uphold the rule of law. Together we can build a stronger Memphis — a Memphis that protects the safety and civil rights of all.”
-U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee
On Thursday July 27, 2023, the Justice Department announced that it has opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The investigation will seek to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal law by MPD. The investigation will focus on MPD’s use of force and its stops, searches and arrests, as well as whether it engages in discriminatory policing.
Updated January 20, 2025
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