The attack on Nichols, which Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis has called “heinous, reckless and inhumane,” has increased scrutiny of the city’s reliance on specialized units to suppress violent crime. This “hot spot” approach has been used by cities around the country — but some police reform advocates have said it contributes to use of force and weakens public trust.
This week, Davis announced a review of all of the police department’s specialized units, including Scorpion, in response to Nichols’ death. The police department declined to comment further on the Scorpion unit Thursday.
Nichols, 29, died Jan. 10, three days after the traffic stop in Memphis’ Hickory Hill neighborhood for alleged reckless driving, authorities said. A confrontation followed, which led to Nichols’ getting pepper-sprayed and running from officers before he was beaten, Mulroy said.