DOJ settles with Lexington, Mississippi over policing practices found unlawful in 2024

The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the City of Lexington, Mississippi and its police department following a 2024 federal findings report that identified a pattern of civil rights violations. The agreement covers fines and fees, bail practices, conflicts of interest, and use-of-force policies, and follows an investigation opened in March 2023.

• The settlement follows the Department's September 26, 2024 findings report identifying a pattern or practice of civil rights violations by the Lexington Police Department.
• The City and LPD will amend policies regarding fines and fees, bail and release criteria, and potential conflicts of interest.
• LPD will revise its policies on stops, searches, arrests, and use of force, and update reporting and review procedures for such officer activity.
• The investigation was initiated in March 2023 under 34 U.S.C. 12601 by the Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Executive summary

The Justice Department announced an out-of-court settlement agreement with the City of Lexington, Mississippi, addressing violations described in the Department's September 26, 2024 findings report. That report found the Lexington Police Department engages in a pattern or practice of civil…

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