Accountability Must Match the Rhetoric in Mount Vernon

The recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) report on the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) paints a disturbing picture of systemic abuses, unconstitutional policing, and leadership failures. For a city led by a Democratic majority with predominantly Black elected officials, these findings are not just a critique of governance—they are a profound indictment of moral responsibility and a act of Black conscious maleficence. 

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.

The Findings: A Stain on Leadership and Policing

The DOJ investigation uncovered years of unconstitutional practices: excessive use of force, routine invasive strip searches, unlawful arrests, and discriminatory policing targeting Black residents. These systemic failures did not occur in a vacuum—they were enabled by years of political negligence, where mayor after mayor and council member after council member kicked the can down the road, failing to confront the abuses within the department. And while some of the main abusers may now be retired, collecting pensions far removed from the consequences of their actions, the fallout tarnishes the reputation of the officers currently serving with honor.

For a city governed by Black leaders who should intimately understand the history of policing and its fraught relationship with Black communities, this report is devastating. It is not merely a failing of policy—it is a betrayal of the trust placed in leadership by a community that expected better. When political leaders campaign on promises of justice and equity, they must ensure those principles are upheld in every facet of governance, especially public safety.

What makes this particularly disheartening is that Mount Vernon is a historically Democratic-run city led by Black elected officials who should understand the deep wounds of systemic racism and the historical injustices inflicted by law enforcement on Black communities. It is hypocritical to call out Republicans for perpetuating systemic inequalities. At the same time, a city under Democratic leadership is documented to engage in patterns of abuse and constitutional violations that disproportionately target Black residents. Failing to confront this reality not only undermines our credibility but perpetuates the very racism we claim to fight against

A Betrayal of Trust

Mount Vernon, a majority-Black city and, for the past 30 years, a majority-Black government with a Black mayor, city council, and Black police commissioners, should be a beacon of equitable governance and justice. Yet, the systemic abuses documented in this report tell a different story. It is particularly damning because, as Black leaders, there is an expectation to lead with a deeper consciousness and understanding of the consequences of systemic harm. How can we claim to champion Black Lives Matter if we fail to protect Black lives in our communities?

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.

Good Officers Deserve Better

Most Mount Vernon’s officers work tirelessly to build trust and protect their community, often under challenging circumstances. Their dedication is now overshadowed by a legacy of neglect and misconduct they had no part in creating. The failure to act decisively against abuses undermines community trust and tarnishes these honorable officers’ reputations. They deserve a department—and leadership—that reflects the best of their commitment to public service.

When the political establishment turns a blind eye to misconduct, it leaves good officers unsupported and communities vulnerable. This report highlights how systemic failures harm everyone: the victims of abuse, the dedicated officers working to uphold the law, and the broader community that suffers the erosion of trust.

The DOJ report is not just a call to action—it is a mandate for transformation. It is incumbent upon the Mayor to go beyond the DOJ’s recommendations and deliver a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the systemic failures detailed in the report but also ensures lasting reform through accountability and transparency. This urgency is underscored by the city’s recent negotiation of one of the largest contracts in MVPD history, which glaringly omitted critical accountability measures like mandating officer participation in Civilian Complaint Review Boards (CCRB). This missed opportunity sends a troubling message about the city’s priorities and its commitment to meaningful change.

What makes this so disheartening is that Mount Vernon has historically been the only police department in Westchester County to have Black commissioners—a point of pride that should symbolize progress and equity. Yet, this report exposes a harsh truth: how can we preach against bigotry and racism in law enforcement when the only department with a majority of Black leadership and Black officers engages in the same oppressive practices? It tarnishes our credibility and undermines the hard-fought gains of representation and those elders who fought for Black people to even have the job.

All of Mount Vernon’s leaders—elected officials, pastors, and even civil rights organizations—bear a profound responsibility for the outcomes revealed in this DOJ report, particularly as stewards of a majority-Black city. This didn’t happen overnight; it was allowed to fester over years, enabled by a silent majority and a complacent Black leadership that prioritized securing political favors over holding city government accountable to the people. This failure to act has left the community vulnerable, betrayed the trust of residents, and perpetuated the very systemic injustices we claim to oppose.

It forces us to confront an uncomfortable question when a Black govern city allows this to take place in its police department? Who are the racist? When a city governed by Black leadership oversees a police department documented to have engaged in patterns of rights violations, the failure to act becomes a form Black on Black racism. Reforming the police department is not just about addressing past wrongs; it is about creating a future where every resident feels safe, respected, and valued. The people of Mount Vernon are watching, and they deserve leadership that meets this moment with courage, foresight, and unwavering commitment to meaningful change. The time for excuses is over—now is the time for bold, decisive action to dismantle the systems of neglect and corruption, and to restore trust, justice, and accountability in our community.