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Citing Conflicts With Mayor, Mississippi Agency Will No Longer Investigate Jackson's Police Shootings

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed it has terminated a Memorandum of Understanding between DPS and the Jackson Police Department regarding MBI investigations of officer-involved shootings.

By Therese Apel and Justin Vicory

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is no longer conducting the examinations of officer-involved shootings in Jackson, citing major issues with recent mandates by Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's office. 

In response to an inquiry by the Clarion Ledger Monday, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirmed it has terminated a Memorandum of Understanding between DPS and the Jackson Police Department regarding MBI investigations of officer-involved shootings.

"It is MBI’s protocol to not release names of witnesses or officers involved in such cases while the case/investigation is pending," said the statement from DPS received Monday afternoon. "Based on Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s recent announcement to release the officers’ names within 72 hours and the previously agreed upon term that all media statements and releases shall be vetted through DPS, MBI will not assist JPD in any future investigations."

The mayor was not immediately available for a response.

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