New York: Justice Department Finds Civil Rights Violations By Mount Vernon Police Department

By DOJ News Photos: Video\YouTube Screenshots Following a comprehensive investigation, the Justice Department announced today that the Mount Vernon, New York, Police Department (MVPD) engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Specifically, the Justice Department finds that MVPD: Uses excessive force in numerous ways, including by unnecessarily escalating minor encounters and by overusing tasers and closed-fist strikes, particularly against individuals who have already been taken to the ground, are controlled by many officers or are already fully or partially restrained; Conducted unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches of individuals until at least 2023; and Makes arrests without probable cause. The department also identified serious concerns with MVPD’s practices regarding vehicle stops and evidence collection, as well as serious concerns that MVPD practices may result in discriminatory policing. Deficiencies in policies, training, supervision and accountability systems contribute to MVPD’s unlawful practices. “Our investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department reveals a pattern and practice of unlawful conduct that can and must be addressed,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “While officials have undertaken preliminary actions to address some areas...