US: Memphis police unit that fatally thrashed Tyre Nichols permanently disbanded

The Memphis police chief has disbanded the city's so-called Scorpion unit, reversing an earlier statement that she would keep it intact and citing a “cloud of dishonour” from the officers who beat Tyre Nichols to death.

Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis on Saturday said she listened to Nichols' relatives, community leaders and uninvolved officers in making the decision.

Referring to “the heinous actions of a few" that dishonoured the unit, Davis said it was imperative that the department "take proactive steps in the healing process.” “It is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the Scorpion unit,” she said in a statement. She said the officers currently assigned to the unit agreed "unreservedly" with the step.

The unit is composed of three teams of about 30 officers who target violent offenders in areas beset by high crime. It had been inactive since Nichols' Jan. 7 arrest.

Scorpion stands for Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in our Neighbourhoods.

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