The Daily The Police Unit That Was Supposed to Keep Memphis Safe
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Feb 8, 2023 
Mike Baker, the Seattle bureau chief and a national correspondent for The New York Times, lends his insights on the tragic death of Tyre Nichols and the disbanded Memphis Scorpion unit. He discusses how this specialized team, initially hailed for crime reduction, became a source of community fear due to its brutal tactics. The conversation highlights the urgent need for police reform and accountability, as well as the complex challenges faced by Memphis's police leadership amidst the push for change.
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History of Specialized Units
- Specialized crime-fighting units, like the Scorpion unit, are created to address crime spikes in hotspot neighborhoods.
- These units often have aggressive tactics and a history of controversy, leading to disbandment and later revival.
Chief Davis's Experience
- Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis had experience with a specialized unit in Atlanta, the Red Dog unit.
- This unit faced scandals and disbandment due to abusive practices.
Chief Davis's Dual Mandate
- Chief Davis was chosen for her experience with both tough-on-crime and reform approaches.
- Her hiring was seen as a way to balance crime reduction with community relations.