Pattern of Misconduct
The DOJ's report found the Mount Vernon Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, including excessive force, unlawful arrests, and improper strip and body cavity searches.
Notable incidents include the 2020 illegal strip search of two elderly women and a case where a mother was detained without probable cause as her daughter was critically injured.
Financial Mismanagement and Reforms
Financial mismanagement and low salaries hindered the department's ability to attract quality officers and provide adequate training, contributing to the misconduct.
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard pledged cooperation with the DOJ to address the findings, emphasizing support for law-abiding officers while condemning unconstitutional policing.