TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Mar 17, 2023

Memphis Police Department Lt. Dewayne Smith, a 25-year veteran, has been identified as the officer who retired before an administrative hearing into his involvement in the death of Tyre Nichols, reports the Daily Memphian. Smith served as a supervisor on the disbanded SCORPION unit that was responsible for the traffic stop of Nichols. The retirement before possible termination will allow Smith to retain his pension. Smith had been charged with neglect of duty, making unauthorized public statements and violating policy on the use of body cameras.