Memphis police shut down SCORPION unit whose officers are charged in death of Tyre Nichols

The Memphis Police Department Saturday announced that it has “permanently deactivated” its SCORPION unit, one day after the release of shocking video which showed the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols earlier this month. All five former officers involved in Nichols’ arrest, who have since been charged with second-degree murder in his death, were part of that unit.

The decision came after Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis met with members of the unit Saturday “to discuss the path forward for the department and the community in the aftermath of the tragic death of Tyre Nichols,” police said in a statement. 

Officials came to the conclusion that it was “in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate the SCORPION Unit,” the statement read.