By SCM Foreign Desk
MISSISSIPPI — The two law enforcement agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on paid administrative leave, officials confirmed Thursday.
The move follows standard protocol for officer-involved shootings as the investigation into the incident intensifies.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) is currently reviewing the circumstances that led to the discharge of weapons.
In a brief statement, local authorities noted that the agents—whose identities have not yet been released—have already met with mental health professionals, a mandatory step designed to evaluate the psychological impact of the encounter before any potential return to duty.
The Incident and the Process.
The shooting of Alex Pretti has sparked significant local interest and calls for transparency. While specific details regarding the confrontation remain under seal, the transition to administrative leave is a procedural constant in American policing.
Typically, an investigation of this nature follows a specific trajectory:
The Incident: Discharging a firearm triggers an immediate internal review.
Administrative Leave: Agents are removed from the field to ensure the integrity of the investigation and provide a “cooling off” period.
Psychological Evaluation: Officers undergo mandatory counseling to assess trauma and fitness for duty.
Grand Jury/Prosecutorial Review: Evidence is handed over to the District Attorney to determine if the use of force was legally justified.
The “paid” status of the leave often draws public scrutiny, but legal experts note it is a contractual requirement during the fact-finding phase, intended to protect the rights of the employees until a final determination of wrongdoing—or lack thereof—is made.
