The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the Memphis Police Department following the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, uncovering a persistent pattern of excessive force and discrimination directed towards the city’s Black residents. Memphis is one of twelve police departments across various states that have come under scrutiny by the DOJ since April 2021. This trend has been particularly motivated by high-profile police-related deaths, mirroring cases like those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. So far, all five concluded investigations have revealed similar unlawful practices within these police departments.
George Floyd’s tragic death occurred in Minneapolis in May 2020, when a white police officer constrained him by pinning his neck to the ground for over nine minutes, even as Floyd repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe.” This incident ignited widespread protests, some of which devolved into violence, and prompted a critical national dialogue about racism and police accountability. The officer involved, Derek Chauvin, was later convicted for murder. In June 2023, the DOJ’s findings revealed a consistent pattern of excessive force by the Minneapolis Police Department, leading the city to consent to a decree monitored by an independent body to address these issues.
Breonna Taylor’s death in Louisville, Kentucky, occurred during a botched raid in March 2020, which resulted in her being fatally shot in her own home. Although state and federal prosecutors determined that officers Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove were justified in firing back during the incident—after Taylor’s boyfriend mistook them for intruders—the two officers left the force and were not charged with any wrongdoing. In March 2023, findings from the DOJ indicated that the Louisville Metro Police Department exhibited a range of unlawful practices, including unannounced execution of search warrants. These reports also acknowledged some reforms already implemented by the Louisville police while identifying further necessary changes.
The situation in Phoenix, Arizona, arose from a series of smaller scandals rather than a singular incident. Notable issues included a baseless allegation against 15 protesters labeled as part of an anti-police gang, the circulation of a controversial coin among officers depicting violence against demonstrators, and a disturbing incident where police confronted an unarmed Black family with weapons drawn. Recent reports from the DOJ disclosed a pattern of unlawful actions by the Phoenix Police Department, including unwarranted arrests of homeless individuals, misapplication of deadly force, and discrimination against various marginalized groups. City officials are currently reviewing these findings and have initiated a reform-focused website outlining their actions to reduce police misconduct.
In Lexington, Mississippi, a civil rights organization prompted a DOJ investigation into the local police’s actions, alleging systematic harassment of Black residents through intimidation tactics, false arrests, and excessive use of force. The comprehensive report, published in September, highlighted that the Lexington Police Department operates under unconstitutional conflicts of interest, primarily because part of its funding is derived from fines. The investigation revealed that individuals are routinely arrested for failing to pay fines, and many are given no immediate access to court or an evaluation of their ability to post bail. The local government has pledged cooperation with the DOJ as they work to rectify these violations.
Similarly, in Trenton, New Jersey, the DOJ’s recent findings indicated a troubling pattern of police misconduct, where officers were involved in excessive force incidents and unlawful stops. The report documented cases of baseless arrests and escalated tensions from the police’s aggressive responses, including unnecessary use of pepper spray. The city has acknowledged the issues and is collaborating with the DOJ, having already disbanded two problematic police units.
Currently, six more investigations into similar law enforcement practices are ongoing across various jurisdictions. In Louisiana, a federal inquiry was launched in response to the controversial 2019 arrest resulting in the death of Ronald Greene, along with multiple instances where troopers may have concealed evidence. Additionally, the Mount Vernon Police Department in New York is under investigation for potential illegal practices regarding strip searches. The New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division is also being reviewed, primarily for its treatment of sexual assault victims. Moreover, a DOJ investigation is examining whether Oklahoma’s systems discriminate against mentally ill adults, often leading to unnecessary institutionalization. Lastly, recent torturous actions by sheriff’s officers in Mississippi have resulted in charges against several officers, while a lawsuit in Massachusetts alleging excessive force and racial discrimination has sparked further investigation.
