MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings confirmed to WREG he requested his department- from the officers on the streets to the people they protect- be given the once over by the Department of Justice.
“I just want everyone to know that we have heard a lot of the concerns from the public, so we invited COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) to come in and take a look at MPD,” said Rallings.
The Department of Justice announced it will be in Memphis Wednesday morning to discuss the plans for a comprehensive review of MPD.
“No better partner than the COPS Office coming out of D.C. to do a review of our community outreach, community policing efforts and also to do a review of our use of deadly force,” said Rallings.
The COPS Office assists police departments across the country, assessing their relationship with their community and how to improve it. They also delve into all aspects of the department.
“You think about policy oversight. Someone has to come in and review your policy and see if they fit within the national standard. One of the other pillars is officer wellness,” Rallings told WREG.
On the heels of community protests of police procedures around the country, many have called for a review of police use of force.
Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen asked the DOJ to look at MPD after the Darrius Stewart killing. The upcoming review is different from Cohen’s request, but he said it goes hand in hand.
“They will also be looking at the deadly force policies and see when deadly force has been used, the review process, the internal affairs process to discipline officers when they do wrong and violate policy and makes sure that’s a program that works,” Cohen said.
It’s unclear when the review will start and how long it will take.
