The Memphis Police Department has disbanded the so-called Scorpion special unit, whose officers are accused of murdering Tyre Nichols.
Scorpion stands for “Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods”.
The unit is a 50-person unit with the mission of bringing down crime levels in particular areas.
But now it is being abolished after its officers were seen beating Mr Nichols, 29, in the videos from 7 January.
In a statement, the department said “it is in the best interest of all to permanently deactivate” the unit.
“While the heinous actions of a few casts a cloud of dishonour on the title Scorpion, it is imperative that we, the Memphis Police Department, take proactive steps in the healing process for all impacted,” it added.
Mr Nichols’ family welcomed the decision in a statement from their lawyers, calling it “both appropriate and proportional to the tragic death of Tyre Nichols, and also a decent and just decision for all citizens of Memphis”.
The unit was launched in October 2021 with a focus on high-impact crimes, such as car thefts and gang-related offences.
The five officers – Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr, Emmitt Martin III and Justin Smith – were fired last week.
They were taken into custody on Thursday and each faces 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 by Friday morning, according to jail records.
