The City of Memphis has appointed Bernice Donald, a retired federal judge from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, to oversee reform efforts within the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
This move comes in response to a federal investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that alleged civil rights violations by the MPD.
Judge Donald will serve in a “process oversight capacity,” leading a nine-person task force tasked with designing and implementing the city’s response plan.
Her role is described as autonomous, with “decisional authority necessary to ensure public confidence in the undertaking,” according to city officials.
A Legacy of Leadership
Bernice Donald brings decades of legal expertise to the role.
She made history as the first African American woman to serve on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and has a long-standing reputation for fairness and community advocacy.
She retired from the bench in January 2023, concluding a distinguished career in public service.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young expressed confidence in Judge Donald’s ability to lead the reform efforts.
“We are encouraged to collaborate with Judge Donald on this effort; I believe there is no one more qualified to lead the process. Together, we will develop a comprehensive action plan that meets the needs of our residents,” Young stated.
Tannera Gibson, the City of Memphis Chief Legal Officer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Judge Donald’s impartiality and experience as key assets for the initiative.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to a Consent Decree
Rather than entering a binding consent decree with the DOJ—a process Mayor Young cited as prohibitively expensive—Memphis opted for this independent oversight approach.
Young referenced the costs incurred by other cities: Chicago’s consent decree exceeded $500 million, and Seattle’s topped $200 million.
Judge Donald’s leadership offers Memphis an opportunity to address systemic issues within the MPD while avoiding the financial burdens associated with federal oversight.
Engaging the Community
The task force, under Judge Donald’s guidance, will focus on community engagement to ensure residents’ voices are heard throughout the reform process.
This collaborative approach aims to build trust and foster transparency while addressing the concerns raised in the DOJ’s findings.
Next Steps
The DOJ continues to monitor the situation in Memphis, recently gathering community feedback on potential improvements to the MPD.
Judge Donald and her task force will work to translate these insights into actionable reforms that uphold civil rights and enhance public safety.
With Judge Donald at the helm, Memphis is taking a critical step toward rebuilding community trust and addressing systemic challenges within its police department.
