DOJ: Parchman conditions violate prisoners' constitutional rights
'Systemic violations' create violent, unsafe environment at Mississippi prison
'Systemic violations' create violent, unsafe environment at Mississippi prison
'Systemic violations' create violent, unsafe environment at Mississippi prison
The U.S. Department of Justice said conditions at the Mississippi State Penitentiary violate the constitutional rights of prisoners.
The DOJ announced the results of an investigation that began in February 2020. The report found that there is "reasonable cause" to believe the conditions and practices at Parchman create an unsafe environment for prisoners.
Findings announced Wednesday include the following:
- Failing to provide adequate mental health treatment to people with serious mental health needs;
- Failing to take sufficient suicide prevention measures to protect people at risk of self-harm;
- Subjecting people to prolonged isolation in solitary confinement in egregious conditions that place their physical and mental health at substantial risk of serious harm; and
- Failing to protect incarcerated people from violence at the hands of other incarcerated people.
The Justice Department provided the Mississippi Department of Corrections with a 59-page letter detailing the findings.
"The Constitution guarantees that all people incarcerated in jails and prisons are treated humanely, that reasonable measures are taken to keep them safe, and that they receive necessary mental health care, treatment, and services to address their needs," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said. "Our investigation uncovered evidence of systemic violations that have generated a violent and unsafe environment for people incarcerated at Parchman. We are committed to taking action that will ensure the safety of all people held at Parchman and other state prison facilities. We look forward to working with state officials to institute comprehensive reforms."
The Justice Department could file suit within 49 days of issuing the report.
Gov. Tate Reeves said the state recognizes the challenges faced by MDOC officials and is working to resolve the issues.
"We have made significant strides at Parchman in the last two years," Reeves said.
The governor said that includes reducing the number of prisoners and working with the Legislature to increase the number of employees and starting pay for prison guards.
The DOJ's investigation of conditions at Southern Mississippi Correctional Institution, Central Mississippi Correctional Facility and Wilkinson County Correctional Facility are ongoing.