A federal investigation has been opened into Lexington, Mississippi, and the city’s police department.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday announced that the civil pattern or practice investigation seeks to determine whether there are systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law by the city and its law enforcement.
Federal investigators will look into the Lexington Police Department’s use of force, its stops, searches, and arrests. It will be assessed whether those activities are reasonable and non-discriminatory, and respect the right to engage in speech and conduct protected by the First Amendment.
The investigation will also include a comprehensive review of LPD policies, training and supervision, practices for collecting fines and fees, and systems of accountability.
“No city, no town, and no law enforcement agency is too large or too small to evade our enforcement of the constitutional rights every American enjoys,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said.
“We are opening this investigation to determine whether the Lexington Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of discriminatory policing, excessive force, or First Amendment violations. This investigation should send a clear message to small and mid-size police departments that they are not exempt from the obligation to provide fair, effective, and non-discriminatory policing. We will leave no community behind, including underserved regions in the Deep South, in our quest to ensure lawful and constitutional policing in America.”
Before Wednesday’s announcement, federal officials notified leaders in Lexington, a town of approximately 1,600 people, who have pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the justice department will conduct outreach to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with LPD.
The special litigation section of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Mississippi will jointly conduct this investigation under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives people of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law.
If the DOJ has reasonable cause to believe that the law enforcement officers of a state or local government have engaged in a prohibited pattern or practice, the department is authorized to bring a lawsuit seeking court-ordered changes to remedy the violations.
“Police officers are trusted with the important duty to keep our communities safe. When police officers fail to respect constitutional rights, they violate that trust,” newly-appointed U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee stated.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that everyone in Mississippi is treated fairly and lawfully by the police. Today’s announcement reflects that commitment. We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of LPD and take decisive action to address any unlawful conduct.”
In this investigation, the department will assess the law enforcement practices under the First, Fourth, and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the non-discrimination provisions of the Safe Streets Act.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Justice Department via email at Community.LexingtonMS@usdoj.gov or by phone at (833) 610-1232.
Citizens can report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the reporting portal of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, available here, by email at USAMSS.civilrights@usdoj.gov, or via a phone call by dialing (601) 973-2825.
