The Lexington police act as debt collectors, with one arrest for every four residents, often targeting noncriminal conduct such as unpaid fines or profanity.
Police routinely make illegal arrests and use brutal force, penalizing poverty by jailing individuals who cannot pay fines, said Assistant Attorney General Clarke.
The Justice Department's report calls for an end to the Lexington Police Department's unchecked practices, reminiscent of prior interventions in Ferguson and Ville Platte.
With 75% of Lexington's population being Black, issues of racial discrimination and excessive force are highlighted, signaling a need for systemic reform.
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