Judge Damita Dandridge Recuses Herself from Memphis Police Union Legal Battle Over 2nd Lieutenant Demotions

On Friday, September 5, 2025, FOX13 Memphis reported that Judge Damita Dandridge has recused herself from the ongoing legal dispute between the Memphis Police Association (MPA) and the City of Memphis.

The recusal occurred on August 28, following a temporary halt ordered by the Tennessee State Supreme Court on demotions from the Memphis Police Department’s 2nd Lieutenant rankings.

The legal battle stems from the MPA’s challenge to the MPD’s creation of the 2nd Lieutenant rank in February 2023, a move that resulted in the promotion of over 130 officers. The MPA argued that the rank violated a memorandum of understanding.

Judge Dandridge initially sided with the MPA, ordering the MPD to abolish the rank and demote the officers. The Court of Appeals upheld this ruling on July 7.

However, by August 13, the MPD had not demoted any officers, prompting the MPA to file a contempt of court motion.

Before Judge Dandridge could rule on the motion, the Tennessee State Supreme Court intervened with a temporary halt to the demotions.

Judge Yolanda Kight-Brown will now oversee the case, taking over from Judge Dandridge.