Commissioner Simpson Speaks About Complaints Against MHP

By: Heather Burke | WJTV
Published: September 22, 2009

There are new details on the state's trooper troubles.
We're learning more about how many troopers have been fired or transferred since a complaint was filed with the EEOC.
The NAACP claims black troopers are now being punished at the Highway Patrol because they've accused senior leaders of racism.
The Commissioner continues to defend the Department of Public Safety saying that's not true.
"I have asked repeatedly for documentation, affidavit, testimonials for someone to come sitting right where you are today, and tell me this person has discriminated against me in this manner, on this day," said Commissioner Stephen Simpson. "Not one single trooper has done that."
He says only two troopers have been fired since the complaint was filed earlier this year.
One is black, the other is white.
Commissioner Simpson says both were terminated because of medical reasons.
"One of them was based on an unfit for duty doctor's report," said Commissioner Simpson.
He tells us eight troopers have been reassigned, four blacks and four whites.
Commissioner Simpson tells us the four blacks transferred were not being punished because of the complaint.
"One of those was an employee request to be reassigned, two were temporary reassignments, and one was reassigned by administration to move to a different post," said Commissioner Simpson.
The first complaint is now in the hands of the Justice Department.
Commissioner Simpson says federal investigators told him they would come interview him and other DPS personnel about the allegations.
"I don't believe a lawsuit is going to be forthcoming," said Commissioner Simpson. "I believe a thorough, fair investigation will fail to show that there is racial discrimination at the Mississippi Highway Patrol."