Justice And Civil Rights News

"DOJ Supports Mississippi Coroners in Death Notification Process"

The Justice Department has announced plans to assist Mississippi authorities in improving their death notification procedures following reports of systemic failures that led to individuals being buried in pauper's fields without their families' knowledge. This move comes after NBC News uncovered cases of individuals, including homeless and mentally ill individuals, being buried without their families being notified. The DOJ will provide technical assistance to the Jackson Police Department and Hinds County coroner’s office to ensure timely and trauma-informed death notifications that comply with federal civil rights law. The assistance will focus on policies, training, and recommendations to address the systemic breakdowns in the death notification process.