DOJ Monitoring Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Following Controversial Beating Incident
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it is closely monitoring the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Gang Unit in the wake of a brutal beating that has sparked outrage across the nation. The incident in question involved a young man named Le’Keian Woods, who was subjected to excessive force by JSO officers during a routine traffic stop. However, it is not just Woods’ case that has drawn the attention of the DOJ, but a number of other complaints of police brutality within the department.
The incident occurred on September 29 when Woods, a passenger in a vehicle pulled over for a seatbelt violation, attempted to flee the scene. In the process of detaining him, the officers subjected him to a vicious assault, striking him repeatedly in the face and body with fists and knees. Woods sustained a ruptured kidney and severe swelling to his head, as evident in his booking photo, which has since circulated widely on the internet.
In response to public outrage, the JSO conducted an internal investigation, but it failed to yield any substantial findings. The department also released body camera footage and held a press conference in which Sheriff T.K. Waters defended the officers’ use of force as justified. However, Woods and his attorneys were not satisfied with this conclusion and sought further action.
In a letter to the DOJ Civil Rights Division, Woods’ attorney, Harry Daniels, called for a comprehensive investigation into not only his client’s case but also several other incidents of alleged police brutality involving unarmed individuals by the hands of the JSO.
The DOJ responded by stating that the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division is responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of federal criminal civil rights statutes, with a particular focus on acts of violence motivated by bias. They also have authority, through the Special Litigation Section, to investigate complaints regarding a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conditions within state or locally operated institutions.
The DOJ further emphasized that they are aware of the allegations and are monitoring the incident. If any evidence is discovered that suggests a prosecutable federal criminal civil rights offense, appropriate action will be taken.
This move by the DOJ highlights its commitment to addressing police misconduct and upholding individuals’ constitutional rights. It follows similar probes launched by the department into other police departments across the country, including Memphis Police Department, Minneapolis PD, and Trenton PD.
As the DOJ’s investigation into the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office unfolds, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken and what consequences will be imposed. The focus on ensuring accountability and rectifying unconstitutional conditions is essential for building trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
