SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has agreed to investigate all deaths involving Memphis Police or Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies in the line of duty or anyone who dies in custody.
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said it’s another step to ensure transparency for all parties involved.
The way it works is officers will secure the scene until state agents get there.
The state then gives its findings to the District Attorney, but will not recommend if anyone should face charges.
That’s still up to the DA.
“If you give it to a higher body like the TBI, why not let them make the recommendation?” asked community activist Tami Sawyer.
She said the agreement is far from transparent since state investigators can’t make a recommendation.
Not to mention, the TBI records are sealed meaning it can choose what information it releases.
Take for example Darrius Stewart’s case. He was shot and killed by a Memphis cop in July.
The TBI took over the case days later, gave its findings to the DA and nearly three months later, we still don’t know what happened.
“Everyone wants to drop the buzz word transparency, and say you’re giving us transparency, but that’s not what we are receiving,” said Sawyer.
The TBI has concerns too about the work load.
Director Mark Gwyn released the following statement:
“If current trends persist, for example, the additional work will certainly stretch our existing, limited resources and could eventually leave us in the unenviable position of having to turn away some cases.”
