Reforming Rankin County Sheriff's Office: Addressing Brutality and Implementing Changes

A recent investigation by The New York Times and the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting has revealed a pattern of brutality and abuse of power by a group of sheriff's deputies known as the "Goon Squad" in Rankin County, Mississippi. Witnesses and victims have described being subjected to beatings, choking, and torture during raids conducted by the deputies, who targeted low-income communities in pursuit of drug arrests. Despite numerous complaints and lawsuits, the deputies operated with impunity for years, with some high-ranking officials aware of their actions. The investigation has prompted calls for the resignation of Sheriff Bryan Bailey, who was re-elected unopposed in November.