Senators Biaggi And Bailey Issue Statement Regarding DOJ Investigation Into The Mount Vernon Police Department

MOUNT VERNON, NY – On Friday, December 3rd, 2021, the United States Justice Department launched an investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department following concerns of police brutality, use of fabricated evidence, illegal body cavity searches, and many instances of excessive force.

State Senators Jamaal Bailey (District 36) and Alessandra Biaggi (District 34) issued the following statement:

“We commend the United States Department of Justice and the Southern District of New York for launching a civil rights investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department to determine if they have engaged in a pattern of unlawful behavior and policing. The allegations of police corruption and brutality that have come to light are appalling and threaten the safety of Mount Vernon residents, primarily our Black neighbors. Only with accountability and transparency can we truly transform our law enforcement and criminal justice system in order to keep our communities safe from police brutality.

This investigation comes after we encouraged the Westchester District Attorney and the Department of Justice to investigate the alleged actions and pattern of dangerous behavior by the Mount Vernon Police Department. We extend our gratitude to District Attorney Mimi Rocah and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard for their leadership, and commend the whistleblowers within the Mount Vernon community for their bravery and commitment to calling out injustices. We are committed to supporting the City of Mount Vernon throughout the duration of the investigation.”  

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