Reveal In a Mississippi Jail, Inmates Became Weapons
Nov 15, 2025
Mukta Joshi, a reporter who delved into the alarming practices at Rankin County Jail, is joined by investigative reporters Nate Rosenfeld and Brian Howey. They discuss the disturbing actions of the ‘blue wave’—trustee inmates who enforced violence under guards’ orders. With firsthand accounts, they reveal a systemic culture of abuse and cover-ups that spanned over a decade. The investigation uncovers how even jail officials allegedly participated in and ignored brutalities, raising serious questions about the justice system's integrity in this Mississippi jail.
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Inmate Chris Mack's Beating And Confrontation
- Chris Mack described being beaten by guards and trustees called the Blue Wave, leaving him with broken ribs and a broken nose.
- He says he confronted Sheriff Brian Bailey about the attack and Bailey muttered an expletive and walked off.
Blue Suits' Privileges And Expectations
- John Phillips rose to a privileged "blue suit" trustee with perks like a pet dog and work-release privileges.
- He later describes being expected to join guards on shakedowns and enforce punishments on other inmates.
Rewards Powered A Culture Of Violence
- Reporters found a recurring pattern of guards ordering beatings and rewarding trustees who complied.
- Dozens of former inmates and guards described a culture where inexpensive rewards bought inmate violence.