Case Law & Resources: Mississippi
Citation
Issue Presented & Facts
Frank v. City of Flowood, 203 So. 3d 786
Whether a police officer was wrongfully terminated and could legally bring a wrongful termination claim in an at-will employment relationship.
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The City maintains that Frank was due to be terminated because he acted unprofessionally and used excessive force while booking Laseter, finding that Frank “had every opportunity to deescalate the situation” but “belittled” Laseter instead.
Holding
The Court of Appeals, Wilson, J., held that exception to employment at will doctrine did not apply to allow claim, even if illegal activity that officer reported had a harmful effect on the city and its citizens.
Case Law
Resources
Citation
Summary and Notes
Proposed bill requiring de-escalation and warnings prior to firing an "electronic control device."
Relevant Excerpt
"When it is safe to do so, officers shall attempt to de-escalate situations and shall provide a warning prior to deploying an electronic control device."
Mayoral Executive Order Amending the City of Jackson Police Department's Use of Force Policy
Enacted Jun. 19, 2020
Requires Jackson city police officers to de-escalate and warn before shooting.
"Require sworn officers with the Jackson Police Department ("officers") to de-escalate situations, where possible, by communicating with subjects, maintaining distance, and otherwise eliminating the need to use force."
"Require officers to give verbal warnings before shooting at a person unless there are extenuating circumstances where giving a verbal warning is impossible."