The Justice Department stated in a press release that the “landmark agreement” would improve the state’s criminal justice system in the most populous county. Vanita Gupta from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated that the settlement would make the Hinds County penal justice system more efficient and fair. These reforms, if implemented, will make pretrial prisoners, prisoners, corrections staff, and the whole community safer while also ensuring vulnerable individuals have access to the treatment, care, and community services that they deserve. She praised the county’s commitment to making these reforms a reality. Justice calls the settlement the “first of its kind” to include broader criminal justice reform through diversion at both the front and reentry into the community after incarceration. The settlement also requires better staffing and training, as well as fixing cell doors and security cameras. It also implements a classification system that is based on prisoner security-threat level. U.S. attorney Gregory K. Davis of Southern District of Mississippi stated that the jail “posed an important challenge to law enforcement” and “the safety of our community.” Hinds County jails include a facility located in downtown Jackson, which is connected to the county courthouse and a detention centre in Raymond. Since years, these facilities have been plagued by problems. The facility, which is more than 20 years old, has seen wear and tear. It has also been the site of escapes, riots, and other forms of violence. Two capital-murder suspects fled the facility on Thursday. One of the housing pods was unusable for over a year after a 2012 riot. 2013 saw Larry McLaurin, an inmate in jail, being beaten to death inside his cell. Elton McClaurin, his cellmate was also charged with capital murder. Both men battled mental illness. A 21-year old man named Markuieze Bennett was killed in a riot that occurred in 2014. In May 2014, a DOJ investigative report was issued detailing many of these incidents as well as other problems in the prison and criminal-justice systems. This led to consent-decree negotiations. U.S. District Judge William Barbour will oversee the consent decree. It also provides for greater access to special-needs prisoners (including children and adults) services. The consent decree also aims to improve mental health by collaborating with local mental-health services. This order ensures individuals have their due-process rights protected, including the right for a speedy trial. An independent monitor will be appointed to inspect the compliance of the county with the settlement and make regular visits to jails if the agreement is approved. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to the Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.