Suburban New York police agency made illegal arrests, strip searched nearly every arrestee: DOJ

A suburban New York police department regularly violated civil rights by making illegal arrests and conducting illegal strip and cavity searches, the Department of Justice said in a new report.

The report, released Thursday, identified that the Mount Vernon Police Department used excessive force in numerous ways, including by unnecessarily escalating minor encounters and overusing tasers and closed-fist strikes, particularly against people who were already on the ground, controlled by multiple officers or already restrained.

It also identified concerns with how the police department conducted vehicle stops and collected evidence, and noted concerns over discriminatory policing. The police department was also cited for making arrests without probable cause.

No single incident sparked the investigation into Mount Vernon’s police force, although the illegal 2020 strip search of two elderly women — ages 65 and 75 respectively — was emblematic of the department’s civil rights violations, the report said.

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said three police officers and two civilian employees were fired following a 2021 investigation. (AP)

The mayor said three police officers and two civilian employees had been fired following an investigation in 2021 without providing details about when and why those individuals were fired.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division said the investigation into MVPD “reveals a pattern and practice of unlawful conduct that can and must be addressed,” adding that the department must implement measures to “end these unconstitutional practices.”

“Police reform will not happen overnight,” Clarke added. “Across the country, the department’s investigations, findings reports and resulting reform measures help law enforcement agencies become the departments that their citizens need and deserve.”

The investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department’s pattern of officer misconduct is one of 12 probes opened by the DOJ into local policing agencies in the past three years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
Looking for vacation ideas? Destin Fort Walton Beach, Florida offers discoveries on land, water for both parents, kids to explore

Considering a vacation? Discover exciting land and water activities for families in Destin Fort Walton Beach, Florida

CHICAGO (WLS) — Destin-Fort Walton Beach in Florida provides an opportunity for…
Chicago, Illinois storm damage today: Severe storms leave damage behind in Elgin, other areas; High Wind Warning continues

Significant damage caused by severe storms today in Elgin and other Chicago areas; High Wind Warning remains in effect

CHICAGO (WLS) — Severe storms caused damage across the area Chicago area…
Preacher doesn't flinch as activist points apparent gun at his head

Activist Points Apparent Gun at Preacher’s Head Without Flinching

Unfazed and unshaken. A shocking video has surfaced, showing the moment when…
Back of the Yards, Chicago shooting: Suspect among 5 injured in shootout at Goldmore Food & Liquors at 51st and Damen, police say

Gunfire at Goldmore Food & Liquors in Back of the Yards, Chicago leaves suspect and 4 others wounded, according to authorities

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect was among five people injured in shootout…
Trump announces 'decisive and powerful' airstrikes against Houthi terrorists in Yemen

Trump declares forceful airstrikes on Houthi terrorists in Yemen

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered airstrikes against…
Killing site in Jalisco, Mexico is just the latest in a long series of gruesome discoveries

Recent Brutal Findings in Jalisco, Mexico Demonstrate Ongoing Pattern of Violence

This week, prosecutors in western Mexico confirmed the discovery of hundreds of…
Cuba still largely without power after nationwide grid collapse

Cuba experiencing widespread power outage after country-wide grid failure

On Saturday morning, Cuba was still facing a major power outage due…
90s thriller classic Single White Female is being remade, but something is missing...

A remake of the 90s thriller favorite Single White Female is in the works, but there’s a key element absent…

The 90s cult classic Single White Female is getting a reboot, but…
Joshua Riibe faces biggest legal hurdle yet since student Sudiksha Konanki vanished from Punta Cana beach

Joshua Riibe deals with significant legal challenge after the disappearance of student Sudiksha Konanki at Punta Cana beach

Joshua Riibe, a tourist, found himself in a challenging situation when he…
Don Jr's blunt one-word response to his ex-wife Vanessa dating golf legend Tiger Woods

Donald Trump Jr reacts briefly to ex-wife Vanessa’s relationship with golf icon Tiger Woods

Donald Trump Jr. is ‘cool’ with his ex-wife Vanessa’s bombshell relationship with golf…
Indiana cop charged after forcing daughter, 6, to stand in freezing cold with threatening sign

Indiana police officer accused of making 6-year-old daughter stand in cold weather with a scary sign

A police officer from Indiana stands accused of making his six-year-old daughter…
Greenland government calls Trump's acquisition talks 'unacceptable'

The Greenland government criticizes Trump’s proposal discussions as ‘not acceptable’

The government of Greenland called President Donald Trump’s comments about taking control…