Judge scales back consent decree; Sheriff says Hinds Co. avoids jail takeover

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - In an evidentiary hearing weeks ago, Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones explained why he didn’t want the Raymond Detention Center to be put into federal receivership.

“I want the opportunity for my administration to make a difference to address the jail situation,” he said. “It’s owned by the citizens of Hinds County. It’s the sheriff’s duty to oversee the jail as well as jail operations. I want to be responsible for getting us out of the current situation we’re in.”

Jones now has his chance.

Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves handed down an order scaling back the county’s jail consent decree. The order is a major victory for Hinds County, which for months has been attempting to stave off a federal takeover of its detention center and had asked the court to do away with the decree, saying it was too large to enforce.

The judge agreed, issuing a new order scaling back the decree and putting in place a permanent injunction to address detainees’ protection from harm, use of force, use of segregation, grievance reporting, and other factors.

Read more: https://www.wlbt.com/2022/04/13/judge-scales-back-consent-decree-sheriff-says-hinds-co-avoids-jail-takeover/