The moral and monetary imperative for accountability in Memphis policing

The U.S. Department of Justice has completed an investigation of the Memphis Police Department, finding it perpetrated police brutality and violated the civil rights of residents. (Photo by Karen Pulfer Focht )

In the aftermath of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report documenting systemic failures within the Memphis Police Department (MPD), the posturing of Mayor Paul Young and our city administration against signing a consent decree is not only disheartening, it is morally indefensible. And, with each passing day, it is getting more disconcerting. 

The findings from the DOJ provide a detailed and disturbing account of the injustices that have long beset our community. To reject accountability and oversight measures from the federal government in light of these revelations is a stark betrayal of our moral obligations to protect and serve all citizens of Memphis.

The DOJ’s findings paint a deeply troubling picture of the city’s police: excessive use of force, a lack of adequate transparency and patterns of discrimination that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. It is evident that the very frameworks of our policing system are in dire need of reform. 

Yet, in this critical juncture, Young has chosen to obstruct accountability by refusing to endorse a consent decree, which would serve as an essential mechanism to ensure that our police force operates within the bounds of justice and respect for civil rights.

Let’s consider the moral implications of such a stance. Mayor Young acted swiftly and decisively when it came to replacing the Memphis Area Transit Authority board, recognizing the need for change. However, to shy away from taking decisive action regarding the MPD risks positioning him as an ally to unjust practices and an apologist for police brutality. The community deserves integrity, equity and vigilance in leadership, particularly on matters that directly impact our safety and civil rights.

Moreover, this disparity in urgency raises questions about the financial reasoning underlying the mayor’s resistance to the consent decree. While some data shows consent decrees are worth their cost, Young’s administration has suggested that the costs associated with these types of reforms are burdensome. The mayor must substantiate these claims with credible evidence. He should provide detailed documentation outlining the financial impacts of previous consent decrees, displaying a disaggregated view of the data to portray an accurate financial landscape. In a city that takes pride in its fiscal prudence, we must demand transparency regarding the criteria that the administration uses to assess the efficacy of these financial decisions.

The bottom line is glaringly clear: it is ultimately cheaper to invest in reforms than to bear the costs of litigation arising from police violence. The tens of millions of dollars associated with various consent decrees (over an extended period of time) may appear excessive at first glance. However, consider the $550 million that the family of Tyre Nichols is suing for — a stark reminder of the devastating financial and moral consequences of failing to address systemic issues. Investing in reform is an act of prudence; it directly counters the higher, avoidable costs associated with legal settlements stemming from police misconduct. 

The City of Memphis faces an undeniable crossroads. We have seen the potential for change through community mobilization and advocacy, and now we must harness that momentum to push for a commitment to accountability. The administration must not only recognize that the public’s demand for reform is just, but also that refusing to engage in a constructive relationship with the DOJ is financially and ethically perilous.

DOJ community meetings represent an opportunity for the people of Memphis to articulate our commitment to reform and demand that our city representatives take accountability seriously. We must demonstrate our unity and resilience in advocating for a justice system that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all Memphians.

Ultimately, the moral and monetary imperatives for accountability in Memphis policing are intertwined and undeniable. Young and the city administration cannot afford to ignore the overwhelming evidence of systemic failure. 

By electing to pursue a consent decree, we affirm our commitment to justice, reform, and a future where police accountability is not merely aspirational but a reality. Memphis deserves leadership that prioritizes the well-being of its residents over the potential inconveniences of reform. Let us stand together, demand accountability and reshape our city’s narrative toward one of justice for all.