Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi following the racially motivated torture of two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker. This investigation comes in the wake of a 2023 incident where six former law enforcement officers, part of a group known as the “Goon Squad,” were convicted for their roles in the brutal attack.
The DOJ’s probe will examine whether the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department has engaged in patterns of excessive force, unlawful stops, searches, and arrests, as well as racially discriminatory policing practices. The investigation was prompted by allegations of a culture of violence within the department, highlighted by the torture incident on January 24, 2023, which involved beatings, the use of stun guns, and humiliating assaults on the victims. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke noted that concerns about the department extend beyond the actions of the convicted officers, as reports have surfaced regarding the misuse of force and racially charged misconduct by deputies. The investigation aims to address systemic issues within the department and hold it accountable for violations of constitutional rights.
Background of the Incident
On January 24, 2023, the attack on Jenkins and Parker was reportedly triggered by a racially motivated complaint made to Deputy Brett McAlpin, who was concerned about the presence of two Black men with a white woman. The officers involved broke into a home without a warrant, subjected the victims to physical and psychological abuse, and used racial slurs throughout the ordeal. Following the incident, five deputies and one police officer were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 40 years, with U.S. District Judge Tom Lee describing their actions as “egregious and despicable.”
DOJ Investigation Details
The DOJ’s civil rights investigation is designed to uncover whether the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department has a history of violating individuals’ constitutional rights. The inquiry will include gathering information from community groups and residents about their experiences with the sheriff’s department. This investigation marks the 11th law enforcement agency under scrutiny by the DOJ since 2021, reflecting a broader commitment to addressing civil rights violations in policing.
Community Response
Victims’ attorneys have expressed their support for the DOJ probe, calling it a critical step towards accountability and reform within the sheriff’s department. Community organizations, including the Mississippi NAACP, have also welcomed the investigation, viewing it as an opportunity to address long-standing concerns about police misconduct in Rankin County. The investigation is seen as a necessary measure to ensure that such abuses are not repeated and that the sheriff’s department operates within the bounds of the law.
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