The investigation into the Mount Vernon Police Department in New York will examine whether officers frequently use excessive force or target Black residents for abuse, federal officials say.
The investigation will examine whether officers frequently use excessive force or target Black residents for abuse, federal officials say
Officials with the police department and city were not immediately reached for comment Friday. No one with the Mount Vernon Police Association, which represents sworn members of the department, responded to a request for comment. “Police officers have tough jobs, and so many do their work honorably, lawfully, and with distinction, respecting the rights of the citizens they have sworn to protect. But when officers break the law, they violate their oath and undermine a community’s trust,”The investigation also comes after Westchester County D.A. Mimi Rocah called for a federal investigation in April after investigating several complaints.
The federal investigation will be handled by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, officials said.