LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Grand Jury of Lauderdale County recommended more training for police officers and that the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors begin planning to build a new detention facility.
In a final report released Wednesday afternoon, The Grand Jury of the June 2024 Term of the Circuit Court of Lauderdale County presented the results of their investigations and recommendations.
The jury was in session for three days and examined 22 witnesses, returned 112 true bills of indictment to open Court, and returned 15 no-true bills.
During their investigation into the Meridian Police Department, the Jury recommended that the MPD establish a protocol for training all officers and detectives in the collection and preservation of evidence.
The Jury stated that some officers also need additional training in courtroom presentation. The Jury noted that more thorough investigations are needed in felony cases with a focus on Domestic Violence cases, despite the many challenges in prosecuting Domestic Violence cases, especially if the victim is uncooperative.
However, the Grand Jury recommended the development of a protocol that will facilitate earlier contact with victims of Domestic Violence as well as training all officers to conduct more thorough follow-up investigations.
The Grand Jury also toured the Lauderdale County Detention Facility and found it to be clean and safe but outdated.
The Jury stated that many areas of the facility have rusted and are deteriorating.
There is also a need for updated video surveillance systems to monitor detainees. The Jury also stated that there continues to be a need for additional staff at the detention facility.
Some inmates expressed frustrations about visitation being limited to video or telephonic communication.
The Grand Jury recommended that the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors begin plans for a new detention facility.
Lastly, the Grand Jury recommended that the next Grand Jury follow up on the recommendations made in this report.
