HATTIESBURG -- Harrison County jailers are taught to use force only when needed and to use the minimal level of force to bring an inmate into compliance with orders, according to the testimony Wednesday by Sheriff's Capt. Kenny Rogers.
Rogers, responding to questions of federal trial attorney Lisa Krigsten, described the training he gives in a refresher course on pressure-point control tactics. He demonstrated the areas of the body - nerves in the neck and on the side of the thigh - that work best with minimal risk of harm.
Rogers was called to the witness stand after former jailers described witnessing co-workers kicking inmates in the head and choking them until they pass out.
Rogers replied, saying it's never appropriate to kick the head. As for choking, "we don't teach them to do that."
To questions on other types of control tactics, Rogers said those commonly taught in martial arts are so dangerous they're not even taught in the state's law enforcement academy.
Earlier testimony in the prosecution of former Capt. James Ricky "Rick" Gaston and Ryan Michael Teel accused them of conspiring to injure inmates for sport without justification.
One former jailer said Gaston ran the booking room like he owned it and was known to say, "my house, my rules."
Two former jailers said Teel took delight in the needless taunting and torture of inmates. Teel often walked by the shower area where female detainees undressed and yell "spray the b--," encouraging the unnecessary use of pepper spray, according to testimony.
Testimony continues today with U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. presiding.
The Sun Herald is in Hattiesburg to cover the trial and gives updates online and in Friday's edition.
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