The Memphis City Council passed several major police reform ordinances Wednesday, two months after the death of Tire Nichols shocked the city and sparked national outrage.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died after a traffic stop on January 7, and five Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder. Almost twelve Other police and fire officials also face charges.
Under the new law, Memphis police will be prohibited from routine traffic enforcement with unmarked vehicles and plainclothes officers, although the department will be able to use unmarked cars in “exigent circumstances” when someone is driving recklessly, speeding or may commit a crime. .
The council ordered police to report data on traffic jams, arrests and complaints. If there is a complaint about the use of force against the police, the new law requires an independent investigation. It also gives local civilian review boards the ability to audit police departments.
The vote followed a heated debate during the meeting. Most of the speakers were in favor of reform, although the speakers were generally divided along racial lines; every speaker is against the rules of unmarked cars, for example, white.
In January, Republicans in the statehouse introduced legislation that will get rid of civil inspection boards across the country – potentially dangerous key part of the reform.
But city officials are not dissuaded from pushing ahead. “If someone wants to kill [the review board]it shouldn’t be the Memphis City Council,” Councilman JB Smiley Jr. said.
In addition, the council voted to establish an independent review process for Memphis police in cases of unnecessary or excessive force.
The new law will take effect after it is signed by the president of the City Council and sent to the mayor’s office.
Last year, Philadelphia became the first big city to prohibit police from pulling over drivers for minor violations, such as missing brake lights or expired inspection stickers.
Nichols, who was unarmed at the time of his death, tried to flee the police traffic stop on foot but was caught by officers 800 yards from his parents’ home. Surveillance video and police body camera footage show at least five officers beating Nichols. He was hospitalized in critical condition and died three days later.
Officers initially said they stopped Nichols for reckless driving, but the department later said there was no evidence he was driving recklessly.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the investigation continues into other officers who may have been involved in Nichols’ arrest.