Current:Home > NewsPolice in small Mississippi city discriminate against Black residents, Justice Department finds-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Police in small Mississippi city discriminate against Black residents, Justice Department finds
lotradecoin withdrawal processing times View Date:2024-12-26 03:40:47
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police in a majority Black Mississippi city discriminate against Black people, use excessive force and retaliate against people who criticize them, the Justice Department said Thursday in a scathing report detailing findings of an investigation into civil rights abuses.
The Lexington Police Department has a “persistent pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct,” according to the Justice Department, which launched an investigation following accusations that officers used excessive force and arrested people without justification.
“Today’s findings show that the Lexington Police Department abandoned its sacred position of trust in the community by routinely violating the constitutional rights of those it was sworn to protect,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in an emailed statement.
The Justice Department said the police department “has created a system where officers can relentlessly violate the law” through a combination of “poor leadership, retaliation and a complete lack of internal accountability,”
Investigators found that officers used Tasers like a “cattle-prod” to punish people, in case shocking a Black man 18 times until he was covered in his own vomit and unable to speak, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke told reporters.
“Black people bear the brunt of the Lexington police department’s illegal conduct,” Clarke said.
The investigation also found that police impose fines at “nearly every available opportunity,” often for minor violations, said Todd Gee, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. They unlawfully arrest and hold people behind bars until they can come up with the money they owe, he said.
veryGood! (1588)
Related
- A stowaway groundhog is elevated to local icon
- Recent assaults, attempted attacks against Congress and staffers raise concerns
- Regina King Offers Sweet Gesture to Jimmy Kimmel During Conversation After Her Son's Death
- Princess Kate video: Watch royal's full announcement of cancer diagnosis
- Beyoncé leads nominations for 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards
- New York State Legislature Votes to Ban CO2 Fracking, Closing a Decade-Old Loophole in State Law
- Chrishell Stause & Paige DeSorbo Use These Teeth Whitening Strips: Save 35% During Amazon’s Big Sale
- How Olivia Culpo Is Switching Up Her Wellness Routine Ahead of Christian McCaffrey Wedding
- Ryan Reynolds on his 'complicated' relationship with his dad, how it's changed him
- Kremlin says 40 killed and more than 100 wounded in attack on Moscow concert hall
Ranking
- Streamer stayed awake for 12 days straight to break a world record that doesn't exist
- Shohei Ohtani's former Angels teammates 'shocked' about interpreter's gambling allegations
- Jackpots: A look at the top 10 Mega Millions, Powerball winners of all time
- Sweet Reads sells beloved books and nostalgic candy in Minnesota
- Ryan Reynolds on his 'complicated' relationship with his dad, how it's changed him
- Trump's Truth Social set to go public after winning merger vote
- Q&A: Extreme Heat, Severe Storms Among Key Climate Challenges for Maryland’s New Chief Resilience Officer
- 2025 Audi A3 sedan first look: A subtle refresh, expressive customizable headlights
Recommendation
-
Family of man killed by Connecticut police officer files lawsuit, seeks federal probe of department
-
Infant's death leaves entire family killed in San Francisco bus stop crash; driver arrested
-
We Found the 24 Best Travel Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024: 57% off Luggage & More
-
3 teen boys charged after 21-year-old murdered, body dumped in remote Utah desert: Police
-
Ranking MLB jersey advertisements: Whose patch is least offensive?
-
Texas school bus with more 40 students crashes, killing 2 people, authorities say
-
Regina King Offers Sweet Gesture to Jimmy Kimmel During Conversation After Her Son's Death
-
Elena Larrea, Social Media Influencer and Animal Activist, Dead at 31