The US Department of Justice (DOJ) Wednesday announced a review of the Memphis Police Department’s (MPD) use of force and de-escalation policies following the January 7 killing of Tyre Nichols. The review will concentrate on the use of specialized police units like the SCORPION (Street Crimes Operations to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods) unit in Memphis.

The DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), specifically the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC), will lead the review. The nine leading law enforcement stakeholder associations that comprise the CRI-TAC will review the MPD’s policies, practices, training, data and processes as they relate to the use of force, de-escalation techniques and specialized units. Following the review, CRI-TAC plans to release a public report outlining its findings and recommendations.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said of the review:

In the wake of Tyre Nichols’s tragic death, the Justice Department has heard from police chiefs across the country who are assessing the use of specialized units and, where used, appropriate management, oversight and accountability for such units. The COPS Office guide on specialized units will be a critical resource for law enforcement, mayors and community members committed to effective community policing that respects the dignity of community members and keeps people safe.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and MPD Chief Cerelyn Davis requested the DOJ review following Nichols’ death. Nichols died in a Memphis hospital three days after five former MPD SCORPION officers brutally beat him during a traffic stop. The beating was caught on video by officers’ body cameras and a camera mounted on a nearby pole. Since then, the five former MPD officers implicated in Nichols’ killing pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges and various other crimes. They are set to reappear in court on May 1.