The Justice Department has concluded that the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and its Police Department (LPD) have engaged in practices that violate civil rights. The investigation revealed a pattern of conduct that deprives residents of their constitutional and federal rights.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Today’s findings show that the Lexington Police Department abandoned its sacred position of trust in the community by routinely violating the constitutional rights of those it was sworn to protect." He added that LPD officers have discriminated against Black residents, used excessive force, and retaliated against critics.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the importance of public confidence in the justice system. "The Lexington Police Department’s incarceration of individuals because they could not afford to pay fines — as detailed in today’s findings report — undermined that confidence and violated the civil rights of Lexington residents," she said.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke noted, "Lexington is a small, rural community but its police department has had a heavy hand in people’s lives." She highlighted illegal arrests, excessive force, and punishment for poverty as key issues identified during the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi remarked on LPD's role: "Police have the authority to enforce the law, not to act as debt collectors for the City."
The investigation found that over two years, LPD made nearly one arrest for every four residents, primarily for low-level offenses. Many arrests were for non-criminal conduct such as owing fines or using profanity. Black residents were disproportionately affected; in 2023, they were 17.6 times more likely to be arrested than white residents.
Examples cited include an incident where officers broke down a Black man's door for swearing at a public official and another where officers tased a man during an arrest attempt for having a tinted windshield.
LPD's enforcement strategy has resulted in significant debt among residents. In a town with about 1,200 people, outstanding fines owed total more than $1.7 million.
The Justice Department opened its investigation on Nov. 8, 2023. It involved reviewing LPD records and body-worn camera footage and interviewing various stakeholders. The City and LPD cooperated fully with the investigation and committed to addressing identified violations.
This action follows similar efforts by the Justice Department to ensure constitutional policing and address unlawful practices related to fines and fees.
A public community meeting will be held on Sept. 26 at St. Paul C.O.G.I.C. Fellowship Hall in Lexington.
Further information can be found on the Justice Department's website.