Today, Stand for Children Tennessee and the ACLU sent an open letter calling on the Memphis Police Department to reverse its denial of a public records request submitted in May 2025. The request is part of the ACLU’s Seven States Safety Campaign — a national push for transparency in cities where the Department of Justice (DOJ) previously found police engaged in unconstitutional and racially discriminatory policing.
This call for transparency comes as the State and Federal government threaten to deploy the National Guard into Memphis, an alarming escalation that heightens the risk of harm from both state and federal forces. Given this development, it is more urgent than ever for the City of Memphis to ensure full transparency and accountability from MPD.
MPD’s denial came just months after the DOJ unexpectedly retracted its findings in Memphis and other cities, raising serious concerns about accountability and public trust.
Stand TN and the ACLU of Tennessee jointly submitted the request, which seeks use-of-force reports, field investigation memos, and other documents MPD is required to maintain in the normal course of operations. These records are essential for the public to understand how — and whether — the department is addressing the misconduct and civil rights violations detailed in the DOJ’s December 2024 report.
The ACLU filed public records demands in six additional states where federal civil rights investigations and reports confirmed widespread patterns of police abuse. MPD is the only police department out of seven across the country to issue a blanket denial of the records request. Other departments, including those in Mississippi and Kentucky with similar open records laws, have already provided responsive documents.
MPD’s denial cites a narrow exemption meant for requests that require the creation of new records. But the materials requested — including use-of-force reports — are routine records MPD officers already create and store electronically. Under Tennessee law, they should be made public.
“MPD’s refusal to release these records is deeply concerning,” said Cardell Orrin, Executive Director of Stand for Children Tennessee. “Transparency is the bare minimum for rebuilding trust. These records should already exist, and the public has a right to know whether MPD is making the changes needed to uphold our rights.”
The open letter calls on MPD to revoke its denial, comply with the law, and work with community organizations toward a fair and timely release of the records. Stand TN also made clear that, if needed, legal action will be taken.
“The DOJ report confirmed what Memphis residents — especially Black, Brown, and poor communities — have long experienced firsthand,” Orrin added. “MPD’s decision to deny transparency only deepens the harm. We are calling for truth, accountability, and a path forward rooted in justice.”
Open Letter in Response to MPD’s Denial (Sent September 18, 2025):
https://stand.org/tennessee/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/09/Stand-TN-letter-to-City-re-MPD-Records-Denial-9.18.2025.pdf
Original Records Request (Sent May 21, 2025): https://stand.org/tennessee/memphis-police-department-official-records-request/
