DOJ Report Finds Alarming Civil Rights Violations by Mount Vernon Police

NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Justice today released a report finding that the Mount Vernon Police Department has engaged in a pattern of civil rights abuses, including by using excessive force and making illegal arrests. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement attributable to Special Counsel for Criminal Justice Litigation Daniel Lambright: 

“DOJ’s extensive findings make clear that the Mount Vernon Police Department has a long history of violating residents’ constitutional rights, with officers acting as if they are above the law.  

“Today’s report is an important step towards bringing lasting accountability to the police force. Local officials must implement substantial reforms to address the unlawful and unconstitutional conduct described in this scathing report.   

“The Mount Vernon Police Department clearly cannot police itself. This report must be a wake-up call for the department to meaningfully curtail the use of force, follow the law and reduce interactions with civilians. The Mount Vernon Police Department must be accountable to the people, not escalators in chief.”