U.S. Justice Department to review Memphis Police Department following Tyre Nichols’ death

The U.S. Justice Department will join the review of the Memphis Police Department following the death of Tyre Nichols.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced the review, stating that the Justice Department and the International Association of Chiefs of Police will participate in the “independent, external review” requested by the city.

The review will assess the Memphis Police Department’s special units and use-of-force policies.

Tyre Nichols’ death has fuelled the national debate on race and police brutality in the U.S.

Tyre’s mother and stepfather will attend the State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Nichols was a 29-year-old Black man fatally beaten by officers in the Tennessee city last month.

Memphis police last week fired a sixth officer involved in the death of Nichols. Five other officers, all Black, were previously fired and charged with second-degree murder. The sixth officer to be fired is white.