The city of Jennings, Missouri has agreed to pay $3.25 million in a settlement over allegations that it wrongfully jailed at least 7,000 people for minor infractions. The scheme was accused of forcing individuals to pay exorbitant fines or face additional jail time.
According to court records and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the city’s municipal court routinely issued arrest warrants for individuals who failed to appear in court or failed to pay their fines on time. This resulted in many people being arrested and held in jail without a hearing.
The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the city in February 2015 on behalf of several plaintiffs who had been subjected to this practice. In addition to the monetary settlement, the city has also agreed to change its policies and procedures regarding arrests and jailing for minor offenses.
Jennings is not alone when it comes to this type of practice. Many other municipalities across the United States have been accused of similar practices, often referred to as “debtors’ prisons.” These practices disproportionately affect low-income individuals who are unable to pay their fines.
In recent years, there has been growing awareness and pushback against these types of practices. In 2016, the Department of Justice issued guidance warning local courts against imposing excessive fines and fees on low-income defendants.
This settlement serves as a reminder that cities must be held accountable for their actions when they violate citizens’ rights. It also highlights ongoing issues with systemic racism and poverty that contribute to these injustices.
As part of the settlement agreement, Jennings has also agreed not to use private probation companies or contract with companies that would collect unpaid debts by threatening incarceration.