A U.S. Department of Justice report reveals a troubling pattern of civil rights violations by the Mount Vernon Police Department, just north of New York City.
The department, comprising approximately 160 officers, engaged in illegal arrests, strip searches, and cavity searches, with practices persisting until at least 2023. One emblematic case involved the 2020 strip search of two women, aged 65 and 75. Suspected of buying drugs, officers searched their car, found nothing, and subjected them to a fully nude search, instructing them to “bend over and cough.”
Although internal investigations proved the officers lied, they were only docked a few vacation days. The DOJ found that until 2022, the department routinely strip-searched everyone it arrested and, at times, individuals not formally in custody.
The report also highlighted the unconstitutional detention of a mother whose daughter was fatally shot. Instead of allowing her to accompany her dying child to the hospital, officers detained and interrogated her without probable cause.
Financial mismanagement further exacerbated these issues, with low officer salaries contributing to training deficiencies and resource shortages. Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard acknowledged the findings, pledging to collaborate with the DOJ and affirming, “We wholeheartedly support our good officers and… will not tolerate unconstitutional policing.”
Efforts to reform are underway, including firing three officers and two civilian employees. The DOJ’s recommendations focus on ending unconstitutional practices and implementing safeguards to prevent future abuses. Investigators remain cautious, noting that full compliance has yet to be achieved.
