SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — There is a growing concern over the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agreeing to investigate officer-related deaths or any time a person dies in custody.
They are now handling the cases.
The state will turn its findings over to the district attorney, and the district attorney will then decide whether charges should be filed.
“Is it enough? No,” said Attorney Howard Manis.
He had concerns, because all TBI records are sealed, which means it can choose what it wants to release.
Manis said it would be hard to hold investigators accountable.
“That ultimately still does not give the citizens the comfort as to what’s really being done and how scrutinized these officers actions really are,” he said.
Right now, Manis is suing the city in three separate officer-involved deaths.
MPD investigated all three cases.
“I have yet to see any of my police-related shootings investigative files to be that thorough,” he said.
MPD and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office ensures this new procedure will provide transparency.
“I like to think the TBI is capable and will do a good job,” said Manis, but he said we will have to wait and see.
