The Pearl Police Department has come under scrutiny following the hiring of Jeremy Rast, a former officer from the Richland Police Department, who was previously dismissed for making derogatory remarks towards a group of Latino men. Rast's comments, captured on video, included telling the men to "go back to Mexico or something like … whatever – I don’t care." The incident occurred during a routine stop in Richland, Mississippi, in June.
Rast was part of a team responding to a domestic disturbance involving a gun on June 2. However, his inflammatory comments were made during a separate routine stop. One of the men he targeted hailed from Honduras, highlighting the insensitivity of Rast's remarks. Upon learning of the incident, Richland Police Chief Adrian Ready took swift action.
“We announce the immediate removal of the officer who made the derogatory slurs. This type of language is not only unacceptable, it undermines the trust and respect that we work hard to build within our community.” – Adrian Ready
Despite the controversy, the Pearl Police Department, located just four miles from Richland, decided to hire Rast. The department announced his hiring through a social media post that saw over 780 reactions, including 260 "angry" and 225 "haha" responses. To manage the backlash, they deactivated comments on the post.
Rast expressed regret over his actions, admitting to WLBT that his comments were "inappropriate and unprofessional."
“And that was one of those incidents where I didn’t conduct myself professionally – I didn’t refrain from making a comment I shouldn’t have.” – Jeremy Rast
He further explained his actions by stating that he told the man to go back to Mexico because that was where the man claimed his home to be. Nonetheless, Rast acknowledged that frustration got the better of him, leading to his unprofessional conduct.
“Sometimes, that human side of us comes out and we say things like everybody else when we get frustrated with people,” – Jeremy Rast
The Honduran man involved voiced concern about potential biases within law enforcement.
“There might be still some more police officers who think of us like him,” – Honduran man
The Pearl Police Department stands by their decision to hire Rast.
“We’re excited to have him join the team … and look forward to the great work he will bring to our community,” – Pearl police department