In the wake of the Department of Justice’s recent report exposing systemic misconduct within the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Blacks in Law Enforcement of America (BLEA) has outlined a comprehensive reform plan to restore trust and accountability in law enforcement. These recommendations, first proposed in 2020, address the systemic issues highlighted by the DOJ and offer a roadmap for creating a more equitable and effective police force.
A Call for Change
The DOJ report has cast a spotlight on long-standing issues of misconduct, bias, and lack of accountability within the Mount Vernon Police Department. BLEA emphasizes that these problems cannot be solved without a fundamental cultural shift within the department and a renewed focus on building trust with the community.
“Law enforcement cannot build community trust if it is seen as an occupying force,” the BLEA report warns. Instead, officers should adopt a “guardian mindset,” prioritizing public service, empathy, and procedural justice.
Recognizing Good Officers Amid the Crisis
Damon K. Jones, New York Representative for the Blacks in Law Enforcement of America, stressed the importance of recognizing both the good officers on the force and the systemic failures that undermine their efforts.
“Let me make this clear: there are many good officers in Mount Vernon. Most of the force is deeply committed to protecting and serving their community honorably. These officers deserve respect and recognition for their dedication. This is especially true given the challenges of policing in an era of heightened scrutiny and strained resources. To preserve their character and honor, it is even more crucial to address the systemic failures revealed in this report. When misconduct persists unchecked and accountability is absent, the dedicated work of these officers is overshadowed by the stain of a few bad actors,” Jones said.
Jones also highlighted the broader implications of leadership failures. “This is not just about police misconduct—it is about political accountability. The report exposes how leadership failed to implement the oversight, policies, and reforms necessary to prevent these abuses. The result is a department with systemic dysfunctions that disproportionately harm the very people these leaders are meant to serve,” he added.
Best Practices Inform Recommendations
The following recommendations draw from a wealth of proven best practices, including President Barack Obama’s 21st Century Policing initiative, the 2009 Use of Force Training for the Westchester County Police Academy, the 2009 New York State Task Force on Police-on-Police Shooting, the 2008 report The Effect of Collective Bargaining on the Use of Innovative Policy from the University of North Florida, and Robert Peel’s foundational Nine Peelian Principles of policing. Together, these frameworks provide a solid foundation for addressing systemic dysfunctions and improving police-community relations.
Key Recommendations
BLEA’s recommendations offer concrete steps to address the challenges identified in Mount Vernon:
Building Trust
- Proactive Community Engagement: Programs like “Coffee with a Cop” and community dialogues are crucial for bridging gaps between police and residents.
- Transparency: Publishing data on stops, arrests, and use-of-force incidents, broken down by demographics, can rebuild public confidence.
Promoting Accountability
- Independent Oversight: BLEA advocates for external review boards to investigate complaints and ensure transparency in disciplinary processes.
- Policy Revisions: Updating use-of-force protocols to emphasize de-escalation and the preservation of life is essential. Officers must also receive regular training in bias awareness and cultural competence.
Equity in Policing
- Culturally Competent Assignments: BLEA recommends assigning officers to communities they understand and have cultural connections with to reduce bias and foster trust.
- Non-Enforcement Activities: Neighborhood walks, school visits, and other community programs can humanize officers and foster positive relationships outside of enforcement contexts.
Accreditation and Accountability
To maintain high standards, BLEA stresses the importance of national accreditation and robust accountability measures. Key steps include:
- Acquiring accreditation from bodies like the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) to standardize and elevate policing practices.
- Regularly reviewing and updating departmental policies to align with current best practices and ensure relevance in a changing social landscape.
- Implementing collective bargaining agreements that support proactive policies and police accountability while fostering a culture of fairness and transparency.
The BLEA recommendations, informed by decades of research and field-tested strategies, emphasize that trust begins within the department itself. Promoting fairness, transparency, and procedural justice internally will translate to better treatment of community members.
While the DOJ’s report highlights Mount Vernon’s challenges, BLEA stresses that its recommendations are applicable across the nation. Departments must rise to the occasion and prioritize accountability to ensure that the hard work of good officers is not overshadowed by systemic failings.
The Blacks in Law Enforcement of America’s proposals provide a path forward to rebuild public trust and restore the honor of law enforcement in Mount Vernon. As Damon K. Jones aptly noted, addressing systemic issues is not just about correcting misconduct, but about holding political leaders accountable for their role in fostering dysfunction. By implementing evidence-based practices, fostering accountability, and engaging the community, Mount Vernon has the opportunity to lead the way in transformative police reform.
Blacks in Law Enforcement of America Police Reform Blueprint by Damon K Jones on Scribd
