MPD community meeting highlights Kendrick Consent Decree's ongoing impact

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Bridging the gap between Memphis police and the community through education.

MPD explained a federal court order that still shapes the department.

The Kendrick Consent Decree stems from a federal lawsuit over the Memphis Police Department's surveillance of civil rights leaders, union organizers, and political groups—including those associated with Martin Luther King Jr.

The case led to a landmark agreement between the city of Memphis and the ACLU of Tennessee.

MPD held a community forum at Ridgeway Station to show the department remains in compliance. 

This, after local and nationwide protests, renewed attention on the Kendrick Consent Decree.

Officials answered questions about policing, privacy and constitutional rights.

The Kendrick Consent Decree set rules for police intelligence operations.

Its goal was protecting First Amendment rights.

Officials said those principles now apply to social media, smartphones, and emerging AI.

For example, officers cannot record license plate numbers at a protest simply because people are exercising their First Amendment rights. They also cannot ask another agency to do something the consent decree prohibits. 

Community members at the meeting said everyone should come to these meetings and learn their rights.

MPD now handles daily compliance while independent experts continue oversight.

The next community meeting is scheduled for August 17th at the Raines Station.