Justice Department probes Mississippi sheriff’s office for torture of Black men

The Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi following the torture of two Black men by its officers. This investigation aims to determine if there has been a pattern of excessive force and racially discriminatory policing practices within the department. The case has garnered significant attention and condemnation from high-ranking U.S. law enforcement officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations. In March, the officers involved in the torture were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 40 years, reflecting the severity of their actions. This investigation is part of a broader effort to address systemic issues within law enforcement agencies across the country, particularly those related to racial discrimination and the use of excessive force. The outcome of this probe could lead to significant reforms within the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and potentially influence policing practices in other jurisdictions as well.