The Memphis Police Department has disbanded the so-called Scorpion Special Unit, whose officers are accused of killing Tyre Nichols.
Scorpion stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhood”.
The unit is a 50-man unit whose mission is to reduce crime levels in specific areas.
But it is now being terminated after its officers were seen beating Mr Nicholls, 29, in the January 7 videos.
In a statement, the department said it was in everyone’s best interest to permanently disable the unit.
He added, “While the despicable actions of a few cast a cloud of dishonor over the Scorpion’s title, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, take proactive steps in the healing process for all victims.”
Mr. Nichols’ family welcomed the verdict in a statement from their attorneys, calling it “appropriate and proportionate to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, and a decent and just decision for all the citizens of Memphis.”
The unit was launched in October 2021 to focus on high-impact crimes such as car theft and gang-related crimes.
Five officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr., Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith — were fired last week.
They were taken into custody Thursday and each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
Four of the five posted bail and were released from custody as of Friday morning, according to jail records.
Lawyers for Mr Martin and Mr Mills have said their clients will plead not guilty.
“The unit that killed Tyre is permanently disbanded,” a protester chanted into a megaphone in Memphis as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Despite the rain, a group of fewer than 100 protesters gathered in the square in front of Memphis police headquarters to demand changes to a police system they say oppresses black people in Memphis and across the country. It has become a habit.
“Memphis is taking a stand,” said Cassio Montez, one of the protest organizers. “It means we’re doing something right.”
Mr. Montez vowed that he and other community organizers would continue to pressure Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis and city officials until “the demands of the community are met,” including that the department The Organized Crime Unit includes reforms.
