MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A U.S Department of Justice report finds African-American children receive disparate treatment in the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court system.
The report, made public Thursday, also concluded officials failed to protect youth against incriminating themselves during probation conferences, did not hold timely probable cause hearings for youth arrested without a warrant, failed to adequately protect youth in detention from harming themselves and used excessive restraints.
The investigation was opened in August 2009 by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department.
Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, said the report is a step toward improving the juvenile court, buttressing public confidence in the juvenile justice system and assuring public safety.
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