A recent investigation by Ilyssa Daly, Jerry Mitchell, and Rachel Axon for the New York Times revealed that in Mississippi, allegations of jailhouse rape, brutal beatings, and corrupt acts by sheriffs and their deputies are often ignored by the state, despite ample evidence. The investigation found that out of dozens of federal lawsuits detailing severe brutality and abuses of power, at least 27 claims did not result in a state investigation, including accusations of rape, assault, and retaliation against sheriffs’ enemies. Most of these cases were settled, highlighting the prevalence of similar allegations in the state’s small-town jails over the past decade.
Sean Tindell, the state’s public safety commissioner, acknowledged the need for more oversight and expressed plans to empower Mississippi’s law enforcement licensing board to investigate abuse allegations and potentially revoke law enforcement officers’ licenses. However, sheriffs, who are elected officials, are not required to hold licenses, and this proposed change would not alter how abuse cases are criminally investigated. Interestingly, candidates for sheriff in Mississippi’s 82 counties are not mandated to have law enforcement experience or police training.
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