The Memphis Police Department has disbanded the so-called Scorpion special unit, whose officers are accused of murdering Tyre Nichols.
Scorpion stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods”.
The unit is a 50-person team tasked with bringing down crime levels in particular areas.
But now it is being abolished after its officers were seen beating Mr Nichols, 29, in the videos from 7 January.
In a statement, the department said “it is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate” the unit.
“While the heinous actions of a few casts a cloud of dishonour on the title Scorpion, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted,” it added.
Mr Nichols’ family welcomed the decision in a statement from their lawyers, calling it “both appropriate and proportional to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, and also a decent and just decision for all citizens of Memphis”.
Credit: bbc.com
