Memphis Police Department Faces Scrutiny as Ex-Officer Demetrius Haley’s Troubled Past Surfaces
Former Memphis Police officer Demetrius Haley, charged in Tyre Nichols’ death, had a history of policy violations before joining the Memphis Police Department, facing accusations of excessive force and professionalism breaches during his tenure as a correctional officer. (Photo: newschannel9)
Demetrius Haley’s Troubled Past: Excessive Force Accusations and Policy Violations in Memphis Police Department Spotlight
According to source, former Memphis Police officer Demetrius Haley, charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, had a history of policy violations during his prior employment as a correctional officer in the Shelby County Division of Corrections. Before joining the Memphis Police Department in July 2020, Haley faced accusations of excessive force in 2015 for using chemical spray on an inmate named Cordarlrius Sledge. Despite the inmate suffering a fractured right temporal bone and perforated eardrum, an investigation found no policy violations, and the allegations were deemed unsubstantiated. The incident led 34 inmates to sign a letter to the Memphis Police Department corrections director, alleging abuse.
In addition to the excessive force accusation, Haley was found in violation of the Memphis Police Department’s professionalism, ethics, and conduct policy in 2015 for providing confidential information to an inmate and failing to report an inmate’s intent to smuggle contraband. He received a written reprimand and was recommended for refresher training on Memphis Police Department policies.
Another investigation cleared Haley of wrongdoing when an inmate accused him of unnecessary force during a contraband search. The documents revealed that Haley restrained the inmate after he put contraband in his mouth and hit Haley with his elbow, resulting in head injuries to the inmate.
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Transparency Challenges in Nichols’ Death Case: Memphis Police Department Files on Demetrius Haley Unearthed Amid Legal Controversy
Haley’s personnel file was part of documents initially blocked from public view in the case related to Nichols’ death. Media outlets intervened, leading to the release of the files. Despite objections from Haley’s attorney, who cited potential bias in jurors due to media reports, the judge allowed the files to be made public.
Haley, along with three other former officers, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to Nichols’ death, which was caught on Memphis Police Department video, sparking protests and renewing discussions about police brutality and reform in the U.S. The incident involved the officers punching, kicking, and beating Nichols on January 7, leading to his death three days later.
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