Hinds County, Prisoner Abuse, Mississippi 2014

Justice Department Launches Investigation into Hinds County Detention Center

The Justice Department has announced an investigation into the Hinds County Detention Center, located in Raymond, Mississippi, and the Jackson Detention Center, in Jackson, Mississippi. The investigation will focus on whether Hinds County protects prisoners from harm at the hands of other prisoners and staff.

According to the investigation, the Hinds County Detention Center has been plagued by prisoner-on-prisoner violence and improper use of force by staff. The investigation 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.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Gregory K. Davis, stated that the Office of the United States Attorney will work diligently with the Civil Rights Division to ensure that the investigation yields results helpful to the citizenry of the Southern District of Mississippi, and specifically, Hinds County.

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: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20530.

The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. The Justice Department has not prejudged this matter and will seek cooperation from county officials and other stakeholders during the course of the investigation.

Hinds County, the primary respondent in this investigation, is located in Jackson, Mississippi. The investigation began on June 2, 2014. No sentence or outcome has been reported at this time.

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