Hinds County Jail Under Fire

WORST BEHIND BARS: A federal investigation is underway into the Hinds County Detention Center, where officials are accused of failing to protect prisoners from harm. The probe, announced yesterday, will focus on whether Hinds County protects prisoners from the harm that can result from prisoner-on-prisoner violence and the improper use of force.

The investigation, launched under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, will include a comprehensive review of policies, procedures, and records, as well as interviews with county officials, jail administrators, staff, and current and former inmates. Authorities will also reach out to other stakeholders, including members of the community and groups with knowledge of conditions in the two facilities.

“Our investigation will focus on whether Hinds County protects prisoners from the harm that can result from prisoner on prisoner violence and the improper use of force,” said Jocelyn Samuels, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “We have not prejudged this matter, and will seek cooperation from county officials and other stakeholders during the course of the investigation.”

The investigation will cover both the Hinds County facility in Raymond, Mississippi, and the Jackson Detention Center, in Jackson, Mississippi. Attorneys for the County Board and the Sheriff were notified on June 2, 2014, and pledged cooperation with the probe.

Individuals who have allegations about unlawful conditions in the jail are encouraged to contact the Justice Department by phone at (202) 514-6255, by email at HCDC.community@usdoj.gov, or by mail at 950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20530.

The investigation was welcomed by local residents, who have long been concerned about the safety and conditions at the Hinds County Detention Center. “We’ve heard too many horror stories about what goes on behind those walls,” said one local resident. “It’s about time someone took a closer look.”

The Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi will work closely with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that the investigation yields results that benefit the citizenry of the Southern District of Mississippi and Hinds County.