The 'I Don't Recall' Sergeant: 5 Shocking Facts About Sgt. Joseph Joffrion's Active Status After Viral Deposition

As of December 11, 2025, Sergeant Joseph Joffrion remains a figure of intense public scrutiny following the viral release of his 2024 deposition video, which centered on a controversial confrontation with citizen journalist Jeff Gray. Despite widespread public demand and search queries suggesting a suspension, multiple recent reports confirm that Sgt. Joffrion is still on active duty with the Waveland Police Department in Mississippi.

The controversy stems from a 2023 incident involving a First Amendment audit, which subsequently escalated into a federal civil lawsuit. This article provides the most current details regarding Joffrion's employment status, the specifics of the constitutional claims against him, and the ongoing judicial process that continues to unfold in the U.S. Southern District of Mississippi.

Biographical Snapshot: Who is Sergeant Joseph Joffrion?

Sgt. Joseph Joffrion is a law enforcement officer whose career has been placed under a significant spotlight due to his involvement in a high-profile civil rights case. While a complete, detailed biography is not widely available, key professional facts have emerged through public records and the ongoing litigation.

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• Full Name: Joseph Joffrion
• Rank: Sergeant
• Primary Department: Waveland Police Department (WPD)
• Location: Waveland, Mississippi (Hancock County)
• Controversy Date: May 30, 2023 (Date of confrontation with Jeff Gray)
• Legal Action: Defendant in a federal civil rights lawsuit, *Jeffrey Gray v. City of Waveland, Mississippi, et al.* (Civil Action No.: 1:24-CV-158-HSO-BWR).
• Current Status: As of late 2024/early 2025, he was confirmed to be on active duty, despite public calls for his suspension or termination.

The Truth Behind the Suspension Rumors: Joffrion's Active Status

The overwhelming public interest in the phrase "Sgt Joseph Joffrion suspended" is a direct reflection of the outrage generated by his conduct and testimony. Citizen journalists and police accountability advocates have heavily criticized his on-duty actions, leading to a strong public expectation of disciplinary action.

However, the most recent verified information indicates that the Waveland Police Department has not taken the severe disciplinary step of suspending or firing him. Reports confirm Joffrion remains an active sergeant within the department, a fact that has intensified the public debate over police accountability and transparency in Mississippi.

The Waveland City officials have largely remained silent regarding the internal investigation results or any public response to the backlash. This silence is often interpreted by critics as a tacit endorsement of Joffrion's actions, further fueling the controversy and the demand for a clear resolution from the city.

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The discrepancy between the public's desire for a suspension and Joffrion's continued active duty status highlights a common tension in civil rights cases: the slow pace of internal disciplinary action versus the immediate and powerful judgment of public opinion following a viral incident.

The Viral Deposition: A Masterclass in 'I Don't Recall'

The core catalyst for the national attention is the deposition video of Sergeant Joffrion, which was recorded in October 2024 as part of the discovery phase of the federal lawsuit. The footage quickly became a viral sensation, not for any dramatic revelation, but for Joffrion’s consistent lack of memory.

During questioning by the plaintiff's attorney, Joffrion repeatedly used the phrase "I don't recall" or similar non-committal answers when asked about crucial details of the May 2023 confrontation. This included questions about his training, his understanding of constitutional rights, and specific actions he took on the day of the incident.

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The deposition was widely viewed as an attempt by the officer to evade responsibility or provide testimony that could be used against him in court. The public reaction was one of disbelief and anger, with many viewers interpreting his answers as a deliberate effort to obstruct the judicial process and undermine the principles of law enforcement transparency.

This "I don't recall" phenomenon has become a key entity in the discussion, serving as a shorthand for what many perceive as a systemic issue of officers attempting to avoid accountability when facing civil litigation for alleged constitutional violations.

The Civil Lawsuit: Gray v. City of Waveland, Mississippi

The legal battle at the heart of the matter is the civil action filed by plaintiff Jeffrey Gray, the well-known First Amendment auditor behind the "Honor Your Oath" YouTube channel. The lawsuit names Sgt. Joseph Joffrion, Officer Williams Andress, and the City of Waveland, Mississippi, as defendants.

The complaint alleges that Joffrion and Andress violated Gray's constitutional rights during a First Amendment audit conducted near Waveland City Hall. The central claim is that the officers unlawfully interfered with Gray's right to film in a public space, which is a protected form of freedom of speech under the U.S. Constitution.

The filing of the complaint with a jury demand signals Gray's intent to pursue the case vigorously. Court records show that Joffrion was formally served with the summons on June 10, 2024, officially bringing him into the federal judicial process. The lawsuit seeks to hold both the individual officers and the municipality accountable for the alleged civil rights violations.

The outcome of this civil suit, currently moving through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, will have significant implications. A ruling in favor of Gray could establish a stronger precedent for protecting the rights of citizen journalists and First Amendment auditors across the country, particularly in the context of police interactions in public forums.

Implications for Police Accountability and Constitutional Rights

The ongoing saga of Sgt. Joseph Joffrion is a microcosm of the larger national debate surrounding police accountability and the rights of citizens to film law enforcement. The incident and the subsequent lawsuit have become a flashpoint for advocates of law enforcement transparency.

The actions of Joffrion, as documented in the original confrontation video and the deposition, are frequently cited by groups like Honor Your Oath as examples of officers operating outside their legal authority and attempting to suppress protected speech. The City of Waveland's handling of the situation, particularly the lack of confirmed disciplinary action, is also under intense scrutiny.

For First Amendment auditors, the case of *Gray v. City of Waveland* represents a critical test of the judicial system's willingness to enforce constitutional protections against municipal overreach. The repeated use of the "I don't recall" defense in the deposition has only amplified the calls for greater scrutiny of officer training and internal investigation protocols regarding civil liberties. The final judgment in this civil action is eagerly awaited by both the legal community and the public interested in the future of police-citizen interactions.