Feds Begin Investigation Of Mount Vernon Police Department

MOUNT VERNON, NY — After a request from the Westchester County District Attorney, the U.S. Justice Department has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department, Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced Friday.

Williams said federal officials informed Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, MVPD Chief Marcel Olifiers, City Council President Marcus A. Griffith, Commissioner of Public Safety Glenn Scott, and Corporation Counsel Brian Johnson of the investigation on Friday morning.

"Police officers have tough jobs, and so many do their work honorably, lawfully, and with distinction, respecting the rights of the citizens they have sworn to protect," Williams said. "But when officers break the law, they violate their oath and undermine a community’s trust."

He asked anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the Department of Justice via email at community.mvpd@usdoj.gov or to call (866) 985-1378.

"I commend the Department of Justice and the Southern District of New York for dedicating substantial federal resources to vigorously defend the civil rights laws through a comprehensive investigation of possible violations of civil liberties by the Mount Vernon Police Department," Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah said in a statement.

Rocah began investigating the department after assuming office in 2020, and made a referral to the DOJ in April.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates that parallel parts of the justice system operate to help create a safe environment for our communities," she said. "Out of respect for the federal investigation, my office will have no further comment at this time."

Her move to publicly request a federal investigation into the police earned the support of the mayor. "Our administration referred multiple cases to the district attorney for review," Patterson-Howard said at the time. "We are working hard to dismantle systemic issues and reform policing to ensure that our community is a safe place for all. "

On Friday, City Hall released a statement, saying in part "we look forward to working with the Department of Justice and cooperating fully with its investigation, which is about a possible pattern of behaviors and practices that predate the Patterson-Howard administration."

The investigation will assess whether MVPD engages in a pattern or practice of discriminatory policing. The investigation will also assess MVPD’s use of force, strip and body cavity searches, and how it handles evidence. As part of the investigation, SDNY and the Civil Rights Division will conduct a comprehensive review of MVPD’s systems of accountability, including complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition, and discipline. SDNY and the Civil Rights Division will also reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with the MVPD.

SEE:

• Mount Vernon Suspends Officer In Ongoing Corruption Probe
• Tapes Not Enough To Charge Police Officers: Westchester DA
• Schumer Weighs In On Mount Vernon Police Scandal