A patch of the Memphis Police Department pictured on May 18, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn.

George Walker IV/AP

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George Walker IV/AP

A patch of the Memphis Police Department pictured on May 18, 2023 in Nashville, Tenn.

George Walker IV/AP

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Memphis and its police division for its use of power, searches and arrests and potential discriminatory policing.

Officials for the DOJ introduced the launch of the civil inquiry Thursday saying the purpose of the sample or follow investigation was to seek out out if there are systemic violations of the Constitution or federal regulation by the Memphis Police Department.

“Every person is entitled to constitutional and non-discriminatory policing in our country,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated in a press release. “Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information provided to us, there are grounds to open this investigation now.”

She stated this data included studies that Memphis law enforcement officials made racially discriminatory stops of Black folks 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,” she stated.

This all comes greater than seven months after the demise of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, who was crushed by officers from the Memphis Police Department.

A photograph of Tyre Nichols from a celebration of his life on February 1, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lucy Garrett/Getty Images

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Lucy Garrett/Getty Images

A photograph of Tyre Nichols from a celebration of his life on February 1, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lucy Garrett/Getty Images

After his demise a federal felony civil rights investigation was launched into the Memphis Police Department and the 5 officers charged in his homicide. This new sample or follow investigation is separate from that case.

“The tragic death of Tyre Nichols created enormous pain in the Memphis community and across the country,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated in a press release. “The Justice Department is launching this investigation to examine serious allegations that the City of Memphis and the Memphis Police Department engage in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct and discriminatory policing based on race, including a dangerously aggressive approach to traffic enforcement.”

Nichols was stopped by Memphis police for what they referred to as reckless driving. According to preliminary police studies, officers said Nichols fled the scene however ultimately was taken into custody after two “confrontations” with officers.

Body digicam footage and surveillance movies later revealed Nichols suffered a brutal beating by officers. Five officers concerned had been fired and charged with murder.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland stated in a press release that town might be “a good partner in this new inquiry” however that he’s “disappointed that my request was not granted by the Department of Justice to discuss this step before a decision was made to move down this path.”

“I know they discussed the need for such an action with many other individuals. I hope the remainder of the process is more forthright and inclusive than it has been so far,” Strickland stated.

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis stated her division “will continue to fully cooperate and work closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) as its members conduct this next phase of their investigation.”