Memphis Police Officer Fired, Accused of Beating Transgender Suspect

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Bridges McRae

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Reported by: Jeni DiPrizio

Email: jdiprizio@abc24.com

Contributor: Shane Myers

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Published: 6/25/2008 6:14 pm

Updated: 12/29/2008 11:06 am

MEMPHIS TN – A Memphis Police Officer is off of the job after an alleged beating of a transgender person, that was caught on camera.

Memphis Police have confirmed that Officer Bridges McRae was fired following an administrative hearing about the incident.

Duanna Johnson says McRae beat her up while another man, Officer J. Swain, held her down. Johnson says McRae called her names and made fun of her sexuality before beating her.

Swain was already on probation with the department and was fired.

Memphis Police Association President J.D. Sewell says McRae went into today’s hearing thinking that he would be keeping his job. According to Sewell, McRae says he did nothing wrong.

McRae can appeal the Memphis Police Department’s decision to the Civil Service Commission or a Federal Arbitrator.

Johnson says she is planning to file a $ 1.3 million lawsuit against the city of Memphis.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of abc24 News

jaques - 11/12/2008 1:25 PM

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to citcus you are just a tired person looking for a laugh he or she is still a human being and i'm sure someone in your family is the same way but probably a closet case and it's probably you. from jaques in chicago punk we have the right not to be treated like road kill

jaques - 11/12/2008 1:13 PM

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that whole precient should be put under investigation.to the family of duanna i knew her for many years we use to hang out here in chicago.i feel that i can't even call the police for help cause of my lifestyle and gender and would not even be taken seriously.these to deputy were out of line. did not have to use any force. to duanna cause she had already been hand cuffed to the bench

jaques - 11/12/2008 1:07 PM

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this is crazy i am a transgender from chicago and this just isn't fair not only should he have lost his job but should have been prosecuted to the fullest.and serve time in jail now he broke the law but still have no criminal record. this is crazy and un real couldn't have been me cause this show's all viewers.thatwe can not even trust the law. to protect you

vanwadebbie - 6/29/2008 1:13 PM

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Duanna was under arrest for prostitution. She won`t have to hook anymore due to the money she will get from the taxpayer. Maybe I should come to Memphis and take a few lumps too. I saw the video and could not believe what went on and DID NOT go on. The people in the jail who could of stopped those idiots from this travesty of justice should be punished too. This garbage must NOT happen in our jails and prisons. This is America! Memphis needs a sexual minorities roundtable, where the police, city officials, and members of the gay, and transgender community get together monthly to review what is going on with the police and thegay community. These roundtables are in place in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, and help the police and the gay community understand each other and exchange dialogue. Debra www.myspace.com/vanwadebbie

Jessica1 - 6/26/2008 5:45 PM

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As a US citizen, it is absurd that in the year 2008 in this country that incidents like this could still be perpetrated by members of law enforcement. As a transgendered woman myself, I know this reality to be all too common in certain areas. Totally agree with Jayne and Jackie about the other officers who were standing around watching. The motto of "To Protect and Serve" encompasses ALL people citysucs .... take the myopic miasma elsewhere. - Jessica - *www.myspace.com/jezzebel1*

kathyrn - 6/26/2008 5:38 PM

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I am so glad he is off the job.No one should ever be treated as such.There is enough crime in this city without having to worry about the police beating up people.

jayne - 6/26/2008 1:08 PM

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Personally I am glad that both of the officers were fired. I agree with Jackie O, the watching officers should have interfered and tried to help this person. It should not matter what color a person skin is or what gender they are or try to be, they are still a breathing human being. He was already in custody and should have been treated professionally. This officer just showed anger and hatred. This is one of the main reasons why the people of Memphis don't trust the police.

mphsmomma - 6/26/2008 12:20 PM

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citysucs- you spelled BRILLIANT wrong, ha ha! Your kinda slow to be so judgemental!

selfevident - 6/26/2008 11:28 AM

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citysucs, your comment has nothing to do with what this police officer was charged with or why he lost his job. Your comment does however show your complete lack of understanding for the human condition. One day you will have to come to terms with your ignorance and prejudice. I pray for you and those you come in contact with, that it's soon.

Jackie O - 6/26/2008 8:21 AM

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Transgender or not there is no earthly reason for ths SOB to have beat anyone like he did. The subject was already in custody and @ the jail. I think that all the jailers and the other cop who stood around and watched should be fired too!!

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