Seven more Memphis police officers. Are under administrative investigation after last month’s traffic stop. And fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a city official said Tuesday.
Extra officers face disciplinary action, said Jennifer Sink, the city’s chief law officer. Any criminal charges related to the Jan. 7 traffic stop are handled by the Tennessee. Bureau of Investigation and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. He said in a statement.
The seven officers have not been publicly identified. “The administrative investigation is still ongoing. And thus this information is subject to change,” Sink’s statement said. “The administrative investigation is only to determine whether city policy has been violated. And what disciplinary action should be taken.”
Nichols, a 29-year-old amateur photographer and skateboarder, died three days. After officers brutally beat him. In a case that brought renewed national attention to police brutality.
Two Shelby County sheriff’s deputies have also been relieved of duty pending. An administrative investigation, the sheriff said.
Memphis has disbanded its Scorpion. (Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace to Our Neighbors). Unit since Nichols’ death. The unit was launched in November 2021. As the city’s homicide rate was rising and the community called for action.