More claims against the SCORPION Unit could impact the City of Memphis, MPD, and past investigations

[Nevilledog]

https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/crime/claims-against-scorpion-unit-city-of-memphis-mpd/522-349da8fe-1400-418e-a2c8-756875580b0b

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Since Tyre Nichols’ death, more people have come forward describing encounters with Memphis Police Department’s SCORPION Unit. That unit has now been disbanded, but what do those claims and new lawsuits mean for the former officers charged and the City of Memphis?

Just Tuesday, we told you about Monterrious Harris, a Memphis resident who filed a lawsuit after he encountered the same five officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death. He is just one of many, which has some wondering what will happen as more claims are brought to the forefront.

As many across Memphis demand justice, the names of those seeking it has increased. After members of MPD’s SCORPION Unit were charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, more people have come forward describing encounters with that unit. Some have even filed lawsuits. “The cases that are being filed right now are civil. They’re seeking money damages. Really, they’re probably just asking the city to take responsibility for these officers, the rogue actions of the officers,” said Claiborne Ferguson, Claiborne Ferguson Law Firm Senior Partner.

Ferguson is a certified criminal trial specialist. He said though some of the claims have identified the exact same officers charged in Nichols’ death, it does not mean they could be facing more jail time. “The officers are probably not worried about these civil suits. They’ve got so many other problems with dealing with the criminal liability they have right now. I’m fully expecting the federal government to be filing charges here shortly,” said Ferguson. Those charges could carry life sentences.

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[SheltieLover]

1. AP reported Memphis lowered standards to even include criminals.

$15k signing bonus & another $10k bonus. And they are stil several hundred cops short of their goal.

Nobody wants to be a cop in this hellhole.

[Nevilledog]

2. That's a RW talking point

Good article here

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100217609987

[SheltieLover]

3. I didn't mean to imply the officers who murdered Mr. Nichols were hired under that policy

Only reporting what AP has stated.

https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-tyre-nichols-memphis-crime-93033874b99a4893c6c996fd56676795

I've seen numerous news articles over the past few years that Memphis consistently has several hundred police jobs unfilled.

Seriously, who would want to be shot at nearly every day?

[Nevilledog]

4. I get what you're saying, but it's being used to minimize and demonize the Nichols murder.

I've seen a lot on how these black officers weren't qualified and that the fact they were black means they were more violent.

Not that I'm seeing that here, just throwing it out there.

[SheltieLover]

5. Not at all my intention, I'm sure you realize.

My intent was only to point up how hateful many people are in this region & how horrific the crime rate is here.

[Nevilledog]

6. I totally get it.