From HuffPost · · 1m 10s
DOJ Settles With Mississippi Police Over Civil Rights Violations
DOJ forces Mississippi police to reform after finding civil rights abuses.
In brief
DOJ forces Mississippi police to reform after finding civil rights abuses. The U.S. Department of Justice settled with the Lexington Police Department to end discriminatory practices, excessive force, and retaliatory actions against Black citizens. Originally reported by HuffPost.
DOJ Settlement Announcement
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement requiring reforms in a Mississippi city and its police department after finding discrimination against Black people, excessive force, and retaliation against critics.
2024 DOJ Report Findings
A 2024 DOJ report found the Lexington Police Department routinely violated civil rights in a rural, poor, majority-Black city 65 miles north of Mississippi’s capital.
Unlawful Fines Practice
The agreement bars the city from jailing people for unpaid fines without assessing affordability, a practice that violates the Fourteenth Amendment and targets over 650 residents.
Reforms Required
The city and police must dismiss unlawful fines warrants, expunge records, and implement DOJ-approved trainings on stops, searches, arrests, and use of force.
Three-Year Compliance Period
The settlement lasts three years but can be cut short or extended based on mutual agreement on compliance with reforms.
What it means
The U.S. Department of Justice settled with the Lexington Police Department to end discriminatory practices, excessive force, and retaliatory actions against Black citizens.
