Local Nonprofit and ACLU File Lawsuit Against City of Memphis

The lawsuit is in response to MPD's refusal to provide requested use-of-force documents.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Stand for Children Tennessee (Stand TN) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have filed a lawsuit against the City of Memphis for denying a public records request filed in May 2025. The request sought use-of-force reports, field investigation memos, and other documents from the Memphis Police Department (MPD), which the department denied, citing the request as too broad.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is part of the Seven States Safety Campaign and aims to increase transparency from the local police department at a time of expanded policing and federal involvement. The groups believe the public deserves access to information about MPD's use-of-force practices and policies in order to hold the department accountable.

The details

Stand TN and the ACLU filed the lawsuit on February 24, 2026, after MPD denied their initial request in September 2025. The groups claim that the requested records already exist in MPD's digital archives and should be made public. MPD denied the request, stating that it is not required to compile information to create or recreate records that do not already exist.

  • The public records request was initially submitted by Stand TN and ACLU in May 2025.
  • MPD denied the request in September 2025.
  • The lawsuit was filed on February 24, 2026.

The players

Stand for Children Tennessee (Stand TN)

A local nonprofit organization that filed the lawsuit against the City of Memphis.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

A civil rights organization that joined Stand TN in filing the lawsuit against the City of Memphis.

Memphis Police Department (MPD)

The local police department that denied the public records request from Stand TN and ACLU.

Cardell Orrin

The executive director of Stand TN, who stated that the lawsuit is necessary to ensure public transparency.

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What they’re saying

“This lawsuit is necessary because the public deserves answers.”

— Cardell Orrin, Executive Director, Stand TN (localmemphis.com)

“At a moment of expanded policing and federal involvement, transparency from our local police department is more important than ever. This lawsuit is about ensuring the public can access information that the law says should be available — so communities, journalists, and policymakers can understand what's happening and respond accordingly.”

— Cardell Orrin, Executive Director, Stand TN (localmemphis.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to compel the City of Memphis to release the requested records from the Memphis Police Department.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability within local law enforcement agencies, especially in the wake of increased federal involvement and concerns over use-of-force practices. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for public access to police records in the Memphis area and beyond.