A recent Justice Department report on three Mississippi Department of Corrections prisons revealed egregious violations of the U.S. Constitution. The report found that the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, South Mississippi Correctional Institution, and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility are rampant with drugs, violence, and corruption. Gangs dominate prison life due to a lack of staff supervision, leading to widespread contraband and violence, including sexual violence.
The report stated that these conditions violated both the 8th and 14th Amendments, contributing to emotional and physical harm among inmates. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the chronic deficiencies that create unsafe environments in these facilities. Staff shortages and fear of gang retaliation exacerbate the problems within the prisons.
The investigation found a high level of violence in these facilities, with an average of 100 to 150 assaults reported at each prison. The report detailed instances of gang fights with makeshift weapons, gang stabbings, and fatal overdoses due to the proliferation of contraband drugs.
Inadequate sexual assault investigations were also highlighted in the report, with MDOC failing to address factors that allow such abuse to occur within the facilities. The Justice Department noted the cooperative effort from MDOC during the investigation.
In response to the report, MDOC acknowledged the issues of understaffing and pledged to work with the DOJ to enhance inmate safety and operational improvements. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke criticized the unconstitutional conditions at the prisons and called for evidence-based solutions to address the entrenched problems. The Justice Department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals housed in state prison facilities.
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