How do I file a complaint about police use of force?

You can submit a complaint to the Memphis Police Department Professional Standards unit or use the City of Memphis complaint portal; see the department pages cited above.

Will the officer be charged criminally?

Criminal charges depend on prosecutor review of the investigation; internal discipline and criminal prosecution are separate processes and outcomes may differ.

Can I get body-worn camera footage?

Yes—request footage through the official public records or evidence request procedures detailed by MPD and the City.

Police Use-of-Force Rules in New South Memphis

Public Safety Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

New South Memphis, Tennessee residents should understand how local police use-of-force rules are set, enforced and reviewed. Local practice is governed by Memphis Police Department policy and by applicable provisions in the City of Memphis municipal code; citizens may use departmental complaint channels or municipal review processes to raise concerns. This guide summarizes where rules come from, who enforces them, typical penalties and the steps to report, appeal or request review for an incident involving force. For official text of MPD policy consult the department pages cited below ^[1] and for relevant municipal code provisions see the City code link ^[2].

Scope & Legal Basis

Use-of-force rules applicable in New South Memphis are set primarily by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) policies and by statutes and ordinances that define police powers and civilian rights. MPD general orders outline permitted force, reporting requirements and supervisory review; the City of Memphis code establishes local government authority and complaint mechanisms. Where MPD policy defers to Tennessee statute, state law governs legal standards for arrest and self-defense.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is primarily internal to the Memphis Police Department through internal affairs or professional standards units, with possible referral to prosecutors or civil actions. The City may also publish disciplinary rules for officers; monetary fines for use-of-force misconduct are generally not applied to individuals via municipal code but through employment discipline or criminal proceedings.

Enforcer: Memphis Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs and the City of Memphis oversight offices.
Criminal prosecution: District Attorney may file charges where force appears unlawful.
Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page ^[2].
Non-monetary sanctions: administrative discipline, suspension, termination, mandated training, and internal reprimands.
Complaint pathways: submit a departmental complaint to MPD Professional Standards or file through the City oversight process.

Complaints may lead to internal investigation and separate criminal review.

Appeals, Review and Time Limits

Appeal routes vary: internal administrative review processes and civil or criminal courts. Specific appeal deadlines for internal findings are not uniformly published on the cited pages and may be governed by departmental procedures or collective bargaining agreements; see MPD policy for procedural timelines ^[1]. For criminal charges or civil suits, Tennessee statutes of limitations and court rules apply.

Defences and Discretion

Officer defences: lawful authority, reasonable belief, necessity, and self-defense as defined by policy and state law.
Permits/variances: not applicable to use-of-force; procedural exceptions appear only in internal policy.

Common Violations

Excessive force during arrest - administrative discipline or criminal referral.
Failure to report/reporting delays - training or reprimand.
Use of prohibited techniques - suspension or termination.

Applications & Forms

To file complaints, MPD and City oversight offices provide complaint submission forms and contact channels; specific form names or numbers are published on the department pages referenced below ^[1]. If no form is required, the cited pages state online complaint options or instructions.

Action Steps: Report, Appeal, Seek Records

Report the incident to MPD Professional Standards or use the City complaint portal immediately.
Request all incident reports and body-worn camera footage through the official records request process.
File an administrative appeal or consult an attorney for civil remedies if you dispute the internal outcome.

Preserve any evidence and record witness information as soon as it is safe to do so.

FAQ

How do I file a complaint about police use of force?: You can submit a complaint to the Memphis Police Department Professional Standards unit or use the City of Memphis complaint portal; see the department pages cited above for online forms and instructions ^[1].
Will the officer be charged criminally?: Criminal charges depend on prosecutor review of the investigation; internal discipline and criminal prosecution are separate processes and outcomes may differ.
Can I get body-worn camera footage?: Yes—request footage through the official public records or evidence request procedures detailed by MPD and the City.

How-To

Document: record time, location, officer names/badge numbers and witnesses.
Report: file a complaint with MPD Professional Standards or via the City complaint portal.
Request records: submit a public records request for reports and body-worn camera footage.
Follow up: track the internal case number and request updates from the assigned investigator.
Appeal or litigate: if unsatisfied, consult counsel about administrative appeals or civil action.

Key Takeaways

MPD policy and City code are the primary sources for local use-of-force rules.
Use official complaint channels promptly and request records formally.
Internal discipline and criminal prosecution are separate processes with distinct outcomes.