Westchester DA Mimi Rocah Statement of DOJ Announcing Civil Rights Violations At MVPD

“The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution by using excessive force, conducting unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches of individuals (at least until 2023), and making arrests without probable cause. The 34-page report also details concerning conduct related to vehicle stops, evidentiary practices, and racial discrimination. 

“Upon taking office in 2021, based on my review of MVPD conduct I wrote a letter to the MVPD expressing serious concern that members of the MVPD were illegally performing strip and body cavity searches as a matter of routine procedure. I also publicly called upon the DOJ to conduct a pattern and practice civil rights investigation of this and other conduct based on what I had seen and have continued to make referrals to DOJ and MVPD regarding problematic conduct throughout my term.  

“Additionally, wrongful convictions for 27 individuals charged by the Mount Vernon Police Department in a 2017 undercover narcotics operation were vacated based on an investigation conducted by my Conviction Review Unit. The DOJ report relies, in part, upon some of the findings from our CRU investigation. 

“The DOJ report specifically points out the need for improved accountability and disciplinary procedures for MVPD when violations occur (pages 31-32). 

“I’m sad for the Mount Vernon community that they’ve had to experience the conduct detailed in this report. It is my hope that these findings will lead to improved MVPD oversight, management, and accountability. Not only will it make Mount Vernon and surrounding communities in Westchester County safer, but it will also help rebuild the much-needed trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.” 

“The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) engages in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution by using excessive force, conducting unlawful strip searches and body cavity searches of individuals (at least until 2023), and making arrests without probable cause. The 34-page report also details concerning conduct related to vehicle stops, evidentiary practices, and racial discrimination. 

“Upon taking office in 2021, based on my review of MVPD conduct I wrote a letter to the MVPD expressing serious concern that members of the MVPD were illegally performing strip and body cavity searches as a matter of routine procedure. I also publicly called upon the DOJ to conduct a pattern and practice civil rights investigation of this and other conduct based on what I had seen and have continued to make referrals to DOJ and MVPD regarding problematic conduct throughout my term.  

“Additionally, wrongful convictions for 27 individuals charged by the Mount Vernon Police Department in a 2017 undercover narcotics operation were vacated based on an investigation conducted by my Conviction Review Unit. The DOJ report relies, in part, upon some of the findings from our CRU investigation. 

“The DOJ report specifically points out the need for improved accountability and disciplinary procedures for MVPD when violations occur (pages 31-32). 

“I’m sad for the Mount Vernon community that they’ve had to experience the conduct detailed in this report. It is my hope that these findings will lead to improved MVPD oversight, management, and accountability. Not only will it make Mount Vernon and surrounding communities in Westchester County safer, but it will also help rebuild the much-needed trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.”