Police Accountability

ACLU-TN works to foster public safety, prevent abuse in encounters between law enforcement and civilians, and improve community-police relations through an expansion of police accountability in the state.

Two armed police offers standing in front of a protest

ACLU-TN works to foster public safety, prevent abuse in encounters between law enforcement and civilians, and improve community-police relations through an expansion of police accountability in the state. Our work includes ending racial profiling, implementing implicit bias and de-escalation training for law enforcement, and establishing independent civilian review boards with disciplinary authority. Our vision is a state where the culture of law enforcement agencies is transformed to better reflect the communities they serve; where police and sheriff departments are transparent and accountable to the people they are charged with protecting; and where no individual feels suspicious of or unsafe around the police — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, gender, mental health, ability, or socioeconomic status.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
banner icon for FAQ on PEACE Act with title, photos of people holding cameras

FAQ: Understanding the PEACE Act

Press Release
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ACLU-TN Statement on Legislators Roll Back of Police Accountability Measures

The Senate passed SB 2572/HB 1931 which prohibits local governments from implementing ordinances that could increase accountability and transparency within police departments.
Issue Areas: Police Accountability
Press Release
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ACLU-TN Urges Governor to Veto Bill Abolishing Community Oversight Boards

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee urged Governor Bill Lee to veto SB 591/HB 764, which would abolish existing community oversight boards and replace them with smaller, less powerful “police advisory and review committees” staffed by local mayors rather than the community. 
Press Release
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Comment on Modification of Court Order Limiting Memphis Police Surveillance

Court Case
Jul 25, 2018

Blanchard et al. v. City of Memphis

Court Case
Mar 02, 2017

BLACKLISTED: Memphis Police Surveillance and Kendrick v. Chandler – A Timeline

ACLU-TN has had an ongoing concern over police surveillance of Memphis residents engaging in protected free speech activities for many decades.