The National Urban League and Memphis Urban League Condemn the Violations of Civil Rights Committed by the Memphis Police Department and Call for Reform

New York, NY (December 6, 2024) — The National Urban League and Memphis Urban League are joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) in demanding reform to the Memphis Police Department's policing practices.

“The unlawful searches, arrests, and excessive force identified in the findings from the Department of Justice are not only a violation of civil rights, but of human decency,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “The people of Memphis deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities, and that starts with holding law enforcement accountable.”

While the findings of this investigation are separate from the criminal charges brought against officers in the beating death of Tyre Nicols by his home during a traffic stop in January 2023, it confirms what Memphis residents have known to be true for years- that Memphis police have engaged in patterns and practices of excessive force targeting Black residents and discriminating against vulnerable residents with behavioral health disabilities. 

Through our 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust initiative, the Urban League movement, led by the work done under our Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives division, has been fighting to keep our communities safe from discriminatory and violent policing.

“We urge Memphis to voluntarily work with DOJ through a consent decree to improve and to make Memphis safer for all of its residents,” said Gale Jones Carson, President and CEO of the Memphis Urban League, in a joint statement with President Marc H. Morial. “We commend DOJ for its sweeping investigations into police departments across the country and its role as a protector of civil rights.”

The Urban League movement remains committed to working alongside the DOJ in the next administration to ensure justice and accountability are upheld in Memphis and beyond. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels protected and respected under the law.