Key Takeaways
• The Justice Department will continue its Rankin County Sheriff probe.
• Angela English learned of the decision from federal officials.
• A listening session is set for Nov. 1 to gather victim stories.
• The probe began after deputies tortured two Black men.
• Survivors and advocates say accountability is overdue.
Ongoing Rankin County Sheriff Probe
The Justice Department has signaled it will keep its Rankin County Sheriff probe alive. This comes five months after many similar investigations were dropped. Civil rights advocates worry that ending these probes would let poor policing go unchecked. Consequently, the decision to press on matters a great deal.
Background of the probe
In September 2024, the Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. Newspapers exposed that at least 20 deputies tortured people over almost twenty years. A group of deputies and one Richland officer even called themselves the “Goon Squad.” They brutally beat two Black men in a late-night raid in 2023.
Federal agents later charged six officers. In August, each officer received a federal prison term. Despite those sentences, dozens more victims came forward. They described beatings, threats, and other abuse. This spurred the Justice Department to keep looking into the department’s culture.
Why the investigation almost ended
Under the previous administration, many civil rights probes were halted. In May, the Civil Rights Division closed eight probes into police departments across six states. These included inquiries in Arizona, New Jersey, Tennessee, New York, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Lawsuits and investigations over the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were also dropped.
Civil rights groups warned this trend would encourage abuse. They said it gave law enforcement a green light to break rules without fear of federal oversight. Therefore, the future of the Rankin County Sheriff probe was uncertain. However, Justice Department officials have now assured Angela English that the probe will proceed.
How the news came to light
Angela English leads the Rankin County NAACP. She has worked with the Justice Department since the probe began. Recently, a Justice Department official told her that Attorney General Pam Bondi had approved moving forward. English said this ended months of doubt about whether the inquiry would die.
In response, English organized a listening session. It aims to help investigators find more alleged victims. The session will happen on Nov. 1 at the Mount Elam Family Life Center in Pearl. Attendees can share their experiences in private rooms. They may also submit written claims directly to federal agents.
Department response to the probe
Jason Dare represents the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department. He said they had not yet received any public notice from the Justice Department. He stressed that deputies cooperate fully with the probe. Dare added the department aims to show all its policing meets constitutional standards.
Despite that, survivors feel justice has been slow. Rick Loveday, once a jail guard, said Rankin deputies brutalized him in 2018. He called the deputies’ actions “a bunch of bad stuff.” Loveday welcomed the news that the Justice Department will keep looking into the department.
Importance of the listening session
First, the session will give victims a safe place to speak. Many survivors fear retaliation if they go public. Therefore, private interviews will encourage honest accounts. Second, gathering more testimonies could reveal deeper patterns of abuse. Finally, more evidence may strengthen any future court cases or reforms.
In addition, the session will help build trust between the community and federal agents. Some residents feel local officials shield deputies from accountability. Consequently, they hope outside investigators will be fair and thorough.
What happens next in the probe
After the listening session, federal agents will review all evidence. They may interview current and former deputies. They could also subpoena department records and training materials. Then, they will decide whether to sue the department. If so, a federal judge could order sweeping reforms. These might include new training, public reporting, and outside monitoring.
However, such legal actions can take months or years. Meanwhile, victims and advocates call for quick action. They want the public to know that abuse will not be tolerated.
Why this probe matters
The Rankin County Sheriff probe matters for several reasons. First, it holds a specific department accountable for clear wrongs. Second, it sends a message that civil rights violations will face scrutiny. Third, it may restore trust in law enforcement in Rankin County and beyond.
Moreover, continuing this probe may influence other pending investigations. If new leadership keeps this probe alive, other halted probes might restart. Therefore, civil rights groups watch closely. They hope this signals a renewed federal commitment to fair policing.
Moving forward with accountability
Accountability must start with hearing the victims. Then, federal agents can collect facts and evidence. After that, the Justice Department will decide if reforms or legal action are needed. Meanwhile, local leaders can push for internal changes. They could adopt stronger policies, clearer oversight, and better training.
Finally, the public can demand transparency. Observers may attend county meetings and ask leaders for updates. They can also support advocacy groups that monitor police conduct. Together, these steps can help ensure the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department respects everyone’s rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Rankin County Sheriff probe?
The probe looks at how deputies treated residents, especially during a 2023 raid. It also reviews the department’s overall use of force and civil rights record.
Who is organizing the listening session?
Angela English, the Rankin County NAACP president, is helping arrange it. She works with the Justice Department to gather victim testimonies.
How can alleged victims share their experiences?
Victims can attend the private session on Nov. 1 at the Mount Elam Family Life Center in Pearl. There, they can speak in confidence and submit written claims.
What could happen after the probe ends?
The Justice Department may file a lawsuit to force reforms. Alternatively, it might negotiate a settlement requiring policy changes and outside monitoring.