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The findings, which centered on the Mount Vernon Police Department, were revealed on Thursday, Dec. 12, following a comprehensive investigation by the US Department of Justice.
According to the DOJ, the investigation uncovered numerous issues, including:
- Excessive use of force, including taser-like devices and strikes, often against individuals who were already restrained or on the ground;
- Unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches, which continued until at least 2023;
- Arrests made without probable cause.
Serious concerns were also identified with vehicle stops, evidence collection practices, and potential discriminatory policing in predominantly Black neighborhoods, federal officials said.
US Attorney Damian Williams said the investigation found systemic deficiencies within the Mount Vernon Police Department, contributing to repeated constitutional violations.
"Our investigation has found reasonable cause to believe that MVPD engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of the citizens it has sworn to protect," Williams said.
Williams also added that the city and police department have made "recent steps" to ensure "constitutional policing."
"We look forward to continued cooperation to ensure that MVPD keeps its community safe from crime while respecting its citizens’ constitutional rights," Williams said.
The DOJ originally began its investigation in December 2021, conducting interviews with police officials, union representatives, residents, attorneys, and civic associations. Investigators also reviewed arrest records, internal files, and use-of-force reports.
The DOJ is now seeking community input to develop remedies addressing these findings. Residents can provide feedback by emailing community.mvpd@usdoj.gov or calling 1-866-985-1378.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mount Vernon city officials addressed the findings:
"We will work collaboratively with the DOJ to address findings, areas of concern, build upon our reform efforts, and work diligently to ensure a world-class police department that is responsive to and trusted by our community," said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.
"We have never run from this issue. We wholeheartedly support our good officers and at the same time will not tolerate and will punish unconstitutional policing," Patterson-Howard continued.
Additionally, Patterson-Howard said her administration identified more than 50 unprocessed complaints since 2020 and sent a dozen cases to the Westchester District Attorney's Office in 2020 and 2021 for further investigation.
The city also contracted Special Council for Police Discipline, resulting in several personnel changes over the last three years, officials said.
"We have driven and embraced reforms, expanded law enforcement and community partnerships, cooperated with the DOJ and will continue to do so," Patterson-Howard said, adding, "At the same time, I stand firm on the belief that our police officers and leadership work hard everyday to keep our community safe and build public trust."
City officials also identified some steps they have taken both before and during the investigation to enhance accountability, which include:
- Developing or revising 18 policies to "ensure constitutional policing" and enhance community safety;
- Providing training on more than 60 topics such as Body Cameras, procedural justice, implicit bias, improving police and public trust, prisoner search training, use of non-lethal force, persons in crisis, and engaging vulnerable populations;
- Increasing the number of body-worn cameras;
- Expanding the use of taser-like devices and other non-lethal tools;
- Investing in software and hiring civilian public safety analysts to track crime, use of force, civilian complaint, traffic stop, and demographic patterns;
- Hosting community conversations and town hall meetings.
"We take the findings of this investigation very seriously and will take all necessary steps to improve our organization. The MVPD will continue to hold its members to the highest level of accountability and strive to correct any imperfection as we serve our community," said David Gibson, the Acting Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department.
The department now has 161 officers as of Tuesday, Dec. 10, and includes around 65 civilian staff members including jailers, dispatchers, clerical staff, and other support positions.
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