“US Launches Civil Rights Investigation into Mississippi Sheriff’s Office Following Torture of Black Men” 2024-09-19

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation into a sheriff's department in Mississippi following a disturbing incident involving the torture of two Black men. This investigation comes after six officers from the 's Office, referred to as the "," were convicted for their involvement in a brutal attack that lasted for hours. The assault included physical beatings, the repeated use of stun guns, and even assaults with a sex toy, culminating in one victim being shot in the mouth. announced that the investigation will focus on whether the 's Department has engaged in a pattern of excessive force, unlawful stops, searches, and arrests, as well as racially discriminatory policing practices. The findings of this investigation could have significant implications for the department and its operations.

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Question 1: What prompted the US Department of Justice to open a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County sheriff’s department?

The investigation was prompted by the torture of two Black men by officers from the Rankin County sheriff’s department, which included beatings, the use of stun guns, and assaults with a sex toy, culminating in one victim being shot in the mouth.

Question 2: What specific practices will the investigation focus on regarding the Rankin County sheriff’s department?

The investigation will focus on whether the sheriff’s department has engaged in a pattern or practice of excessive force, unlawful stops, searches, and arrests, as well as racially discriminatory policing practices.

Question 3: How many officers from the Rankin County sheriff’s department were involved in the attack, and what were they referred to as?

Six officers from the Rankin County sheriff’s department were involved in the attack, and they were known as the "Goon Squad."

Question 4: What actions did the officers take during the attack on the victims?

The officers subjected the victims to hours of torture that included physical beatings, repeated use of stun guns, and other forms of assault, demonstrating a clear pattern of brutality and racial animus.

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