Attorney for black troopers to respond to DPS probe - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

An attorney for black troopers who allege discrimination by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will soon address the governor's announced agency investigation.

Monday, Governor Haley Barbour stated that an internal investigation is underway into impropriety with its promotion examinations.

In June of 2009 the state NAACP accused the Department of Public Safety of discriminatory practices in assignments, hiring, demotions, promotions and racial slurs.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined at that time that D.P.S. was biased and allowed a hostile work environment of harassment and intimidation.

Attorney Valerie Hicks Powe, who represents the African American troopers, will respond to the governor's statement Friday in a news conference at the NAACP Office in Jackson.

"The investigation began late last week. Results of all the exams have been thrown out and anyone involved in any impropriety related to this testing will be severely punished," said Governor Barbour.

D.P.S. oversees several state agencies including the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

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