U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, and Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, have announced findings from a comprehensive investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD). The investigation concluded that MVPD engages in conduct that violates constitutional rights.
The Department of Justice identified several issues with MVPD's practices. These include excessive force through unnecessary escalation during minor encounters and improper use of tasers and closed-fist strikes. Additionally, there were instances of unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches conducted until at least 2023, as well as arrests made without probable cause. Concerns were also raised about vehicle stop procedures, evidence collection practices, and discriminatory policing in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: “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.” He acknowledged recent efforts by Mount Vernon officials to address these issues but emphasized the need for continued cooperation.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke remarked: “Our investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department reveals a pattern and practice of unlawful conduct that can and must be addressed.” She highlighted the necessity for comprehensive measures to end unconstitutional practices within MVPD.
The investigation began on December 3, 2021, led by career attorneys from both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders including MVPD staff, local residents, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and civic associations. The review included arrest reports, use-of-force reports, policies, training materials, and internal affairs files.
Throughout this process, regular meetings were held with City of Mount Vernon officials to provide feedback on observations made by the Department's experts.
This investigation is one among twelve initiated under Section 12601 since April 2021 by the Department of Justice into law enforcement agencies across different states. The Southern District has handled four investigations since 1994 under this section.
A virtual community meeting is scheduled for December 16th at 6:00 p.m. E.T., where members of the public can learn more about these findings.
For further information about this case or related topics from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or Civil Rights Division websites are available online.
