Slave Patrols to Modern-Day Oppression: The Mississippi Goon-Squad & Memphis Scorpion Unit's Legacy of Violence

• In Event: Roundtable: Violence in Differing Contexts

Abstract

This case study examines the similarities and contrasts between violent interactions involving Black male victims and law enforcement. The Goon Squad, a known source of vigilante officers in Mississippi, has been linked to incidents resulting in injury and death of Black males. The Scorpion Unit, an official creation of the Memphis Police Department led by its first Black woman Police Chief, Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis. This study will also explore the historical ties between these specialized police squads and slave patrols, which were used to control and suppress Black populations in the antebellum South. By examining the evolution of these units and their tactics, the discussion aims to uncover the deeply rooted systemic racism that continues to influence modern policing practices. This includes the examining the historical context of police violence vigilantism via the Goon Squad and Scorpion Unit’s violent incidents, media coverage, and public discourse. By situating these cases within broader historical and sociological contexts, the intent is to shed light on the complex dynamics of law enforcement violence against Black males and inform policy discussions on police reform and racial justice, regardless of the race of the officers involved.

Authors

• Ronald Craig, Tennessee State University

• Howard Henderson, Texas Southern University