MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — The City of Mount Vernon has released additional details on Wednesday about the vetting and hiring of former civilian Deputy Commissioner of Wellness and Reform Jennifer Lackard following questions raised by the criminal charges filed against her in the Bronx on Tuesday.
According to the city, Lackard was hired in July 2020 as Second Deputy Commissioner of Special Initiatives during a period of nationwide calls for police reform, procedural justice and greater investment in officer wellness.
Although Lackard’s position was not a sworn law-enforcement role, the city described it as a civilian leadership position created to strengthen trust between the Mount Vernon Police Department and the community while supporting criminal-justice reform and employee wellness.
City officials said Lackard brought nearly 15 years of professional experience in human services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, DWI intervention, reentry services, coalition building, and criminal justice reform.
The city said Lackard underwent a “rigorous background investigation and employment screening” that included fingerprinting, a criminal-background check, medical clearance, a driving-record review and financial disclosures.
“Based on the background investigation, she met the qualifications for the civilian position,” the city stated. “There was no information that disqualified her from employment.”
The statement also addressed questions surrounding Lackard’s husband, James Lackard, whose prior criminal history was disclosed during the hiring process.
According to the city, that information was reviewed and determined not to disqualify Jennifer Lackard from holding the civilian position.
“No employer can predict future personal conduct,” the city stated. “Mount Vernon has faced challenges before, and we have always responded with accountability, transparency and resilience.”
The statement follows Lackard’s arrest on charges connected to an alleged shooting outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse. The City of Mount Vernon terminated her employment immediately following the filing of the charges. (see statement in its entirety below)
The city said it remains committed to strengthening the institutions that serve Mount Vernon residents as the criminal case proceeds.
The charges against Lackard remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
