A recently released report by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) highlights serious civil rights violations carried out by the Mount Vernon Police Department, located just north of New York City. The findings, based on a lengthy investigation, detail patterns of unlawful arrests, unnecessary strip searches, and violations of constitutional rights.
The Mount Vernon Police Department, which employs around 160 officers, has been under scrutiny for its practices, which were labeled as systemic violations. According to the report, these illegal activities persisted until at least 2023 and included strip searches performed on every person arrested, as well as individuals who were not formally under arrest.
A particularly egregious case underscored by the DOJ involved the 2020 strip search of two women, aged 65 and 75. These women were arrested under false pretenses of drug possession. After officers found no illegal substances during their search, they were still subjected to humiliations as officers instructed them to "bend over and cough" during their nude strip search, which was later deemed unconstitutional. Findings from the internal investigation revealed the officers had fabricated the drug allegations, resulting only in minor disciplinary measures—namely, the docking of vacation days.
Further investigation revealed the department routinely conducted strip searches and cavity searches without probable cause, violating Fourth Amendment rights. The DOJ's report highlighted the overarching trend among police across the country exhibiting similar behaviors, including the use of excessive force during arrests, such as unnecessarily punching or tasering suspects.
“Until at least October 2022, it was MVPD’s practice to subject every person they arrested to a strip search—and, in many cases, a visual cavity search—which are among the most degrading and intrusive searches officers can perform,” stated the DOJ report. Disturbingly, it was noted these practices often went unchecked.
Mount Vernon’s police practices also led to wrongful detentions. For example, the DOJ detailed the wrongful detention of a mother whose daughter was shot. Instead of allowing the distraught woman to accompany her critically injured child to the hospital, officers detained her and interrogated her without just cause. Tragically, her daughter passed away during this period of illegality, epitomizing the grave failures of the police force.
The report indicates widespread financial mismanagement within the police department—low salaries made it difficult to attract and retain well-trained officers. This lack of resources contributed to inadequate training, aggraving the pattern of civil rights violations. The investigation culminated with proposed measures to reform the department, including implementing body cameras and additional training, especially concerning the treatment of detainees.
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard responded to the revelations with calls for immediate action. "We wholeheartedly support our good officers and at the same time will not tolerate and will punish unconstitutional policing," she pledged, underscoring the city's commitment to reform. She also noted steps already taken, including the dismissal of three police officers and two civilians implicated in the misconduct.
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, expressed cautious optimism following the investigation’s findings. “We are encouraged by the recent steps the City of Mount Vernon and the MVPD have taken...and we look forward to continued cooperation to...respect its citizens’ constitutional rights,” Clarke stated.
The DOJ investigation of the Mount Vernon Police Department is part of a broader trend, as at least 12 investigations have been launched at various local policing agencies nationwide since 2021. These investigations have been prompted by incidents of police brutality, such as the notorious killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests demanding police reforms.
The practices uncovered within the Mount Vernon Police Department highlight the urgent need for comprehensive police reform not only within its bounds but across the United States as well. The pervasive violations of civil rights must serve as warning bells for other police departments, calling for action, transparency, and accountability.
While Mount Vernon's findings are alarming, they also represent the opportunity for meaningful changes within the department. Future steps remain complicated and sensitive, yet the path toward constitutional policing is one the local government says it is dedicated to pursuing. It's now up to the community and its leaders to uphold this promise and restore public trust.
