The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans for in-person community meetings next week at the National Civil Rights Museum following Monday night’s virtual town hall.
The DOJ’s first in-person meeting is set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the National Civil Rights Museum and will focus on addressing reforms specific to MPD’s handling of behavioral health calls.
The announcement was made during DOJ’s first virtual town hall since the release of a bombshell investigation finding that Memphis Police use excessive force, engage in discriminatory behavior and wrongly stop, frisk and arrest African Americans at an alarming rate.
Nearly 400 people logged on for the session, which was limited to presentations from the legal team behind the investigation. Participants could message the panelists, but otherwise were not seen and could not interact with each other. Panelists did respond to some “frequently asked questions” as they came in. Here are those FAQs, along with responses from the appropriate DOJ attorney:
Key Questions and Answers from the DOJ Virtual Town Hall
Q: How much will reform cost Memphis, and who will pay for it?
“There is a cost for constitutional policing, particularly in a place where there are systemic problems that require time to address. The city does bear the cost of implementing the reforms, but there are also significant benefits. The human cost of not reforming is enormous. These violations can cause injuries, deaths, and loss of community trust—trust that is essential for public safety. Additionally, cities pay millions in legal settlements due to police misconduct. Sustained reforms have been shown to reduce these costs significantly.”
Maureen Johnston, DOJ Deputy Chief:
Q: Will this DOJ team change if there’s a new presidential administration?
“We’re all career attorneys who work across administrations. Personally, I’ve worked under three administrations, and the way our office is structured is to promote consistency regardless of who is in power. While every administration has its own priorities, this case will continue to be a priority for us.”
Maureen Johnston:
Q: What does collaboration between the DOJ and the city look like? Who writes the reform plan?
“We would seek to negotiate a reform agreement with enforceable provisions that commit the city and MPD to making changes. Collaboration could include revising policies, improving training, and ensuring the changes are implemented in a timely, effective way. Importantly, community feedback will shape priorities, whether that’s through commenting on policies, proposing new systems, or advocating for transparency. Constitutional and effective policing go hand in hand, and we’ve seen these changes lead to better public safety outcomes.”
Suraj Kumar, DOJ Trial Attorney:
Q: Can the DOJ help Memphis navigate conflicts with state laws, such as those striking down local ordinances?
“Our investigation focuses on federal constitutional and civil rights violations. Federal law serves as the floor, not the ceiling. We’ve worked in diverse states and legal environments across the country to ensure that local practices meet federal standards. These rights are fundamental, and we’re confident in our ability to navigate the specific challenges here in Memphis.”
Suraj Kumar
Q: How can the community stay involved moving forward?
“Your feedback is essential. We’ll hold in-person and virtual meetings to discuss the findings and gather input on reforms. We want to hear specific recommendations, such as changes to policy, training, or oversight systems. You can also email us or call to share your ideas or request private conversations. This is your police department, and your voices will shape what it looks like moving forward.”
Kit Rees, DOJ Civil Rights Investigator:
Additional meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks as the DOJ continues its outreach to the Memphis community.
The DOJ emphasized that its initial recommendations are only a starting point, and collaboration with Memphis residents will be critical in creating a public safety system that meets the city’s needs.
Meanwhile, last week Memphis Mayor Paul Young declined to agree to a consent decree, saying there’s a “better way to achieve the outcomes we all want.” He also said that the city will hold its own town hall meetings about Memphis Police, though none have been announced just yet.
Residents who were unable to attend Monday night’s virtual meeting can still provide input by emailing Community.Memphis@usdoj.gov or calling 888-473-3730.
