The Justice Department has announced the successful conclusion of its agreement with the City of Yonkers, New York, and the Yonkers Police Department (YPD). The agreement aimed to enhance policies and practices related to use of force, stops, searches, arrests, First Amendment rights protection, misconduct investigations and discipline, and community policing. Over an eight-year period, YPD implemented and sustained all required reforms for more than a year. As a result, the Justice Department has agreed to terminate the agreement.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Civil Rights Division commented on the success: “The success of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department under this agreement demonstrates the fundamental truth that fair, constitutional and effective policing can enhance public safety and promote trust between police and the community they are sworn to protect and serve.” She acknowledged significant reductions in settlement payouts for excessive force claims as well as a substantial decrease in violent crimes from 2017 to 2023. Clarke praised past YPD Commissioners Charles Gardner and John Mueller, current Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, along with civilian staff and officers for their dedication to constitutional policing.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York highlighted efforts since 2007: “Since the commencement of our investigation in 2007, the Yonkers Police Department has worked assiduously and cooperatively to implement significant reforms which ensure that its officers are well trained, well informed and guided on appropriate uses of force.” He commended YPD's compliance with all provisions of the agreement.
Significant improvements have been noted during this period. There was a marked decrease in allegations leading to reduced excessive force settlement payouts. The Internal Affairs Department improved investigation times for critical use-of-force cases from 245 days in 2019 to 69 days in 2023. Similarly, civilian misconduct complaint investigations were reduced from an average of 236 days in 2019 to 72 days in 2023. Additionally, Yonkers experienced a 22% reduction in violent crimes over five years.
This case was jointly handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The Justice Department's investigations have previously led to significant law enforcement reforms across various agencies nationwide. Examples include reductions in serious force usage by Seattle Police Department by 60%, less frequent use of force by Baltimore officers consistent with department policy, and a decline in Albuquerque's use-of-force incidents by 25%.
Further information about these reforms is available through technical assistance letters or settlement agreements provided by relevant authorities.
