A former law enforcement officer is now investigating the Mississippi police department's mistrial case.
Based on the independent investigator's findings, the police department has competency issues. Because of this, he suggested rebuilding it.
Mississippi Police Mistrial Update
Rolling Fork police officer Cpl. Robert Jones patrols in a police vehicle that was heavily damaged during Friday's tornado on March 27, 2023 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. At least 26 people died when an EF-4 tornado ripped through the small town of Rolling Fork and other nearby communities on March 24th.
In July, a Mississippi grand jury issued a report criticizing the police department's errors, which led to a mistrial involving two white men who were charged with shooting a Black FedEx delivery driver.
The Mississippi Free Press reported that the two white suspects' case ended in a mistrial after a Brookhaven Police officer withheld evidence from the defense and prosecution.
Now, the Brookhaven city officials decided to hire independent investigator William Harmening, a retired law enforcement authority, to review the accused police department.
Harmening was specifically tasked to analyze the grand jury's complaints. He is also ordered to complete a review of the Mississippi police department.
After investigating the police department, Harmening concluded that its competency issues clearly affect its effectiveness.
Mayor of Brookhaven, Mississippi, Joe Cox, said that the Board of Aldermen adopted the investigator's report and agreed to retain Harmening so he can assist the city in updating the police department's procedures and policies.
Cox pledged to continue their operation with transparency, professionalism, and efficiency.
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Mississippi Police Dept Should Be Rebuilt, Investigator Suggests
Police officers stand as abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion protesters demonstrate in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on December 1, 2021. - The justices weigh whether to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks and overrule the 1973 Roe v. Wade.
William Harmening provided his 32-page report to the Board of Aldermen. His investigation included reviewing the Mississippi police department's procedures and policies.
Aside from this, the report also has discussions with Atty. Lee Bates for the Pike, Lincoln, and Wathall counties and some Brookhaven police officials.
Harmening said that all these individuals were warm and friendly to talk with. However, they denied access to some of the investigator's requested items. These include personnel and investigative files. Based on his findings, the independent investigator concluded that the Mississippi police department badly needs rebuilding.
"The department is going through what many departments of its size have experienced, and sometimes it becomes necessary to draw a line in the sand and basically start over," explained Harmening via NBC News.
William also cited numerous issues happening within the law enforcement agency. Severe workforce shortage, inefficient and confusing command systems, and officer training scarcity are just among them. If you want to learn more about the report of William Harmening regarding the Mississippi police department's efficiency, you can click this link.
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