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Mount Vernon Police Department: 5 Shocking Facts About DOJ Probe, New Leadership, And 2025 Reforms

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The Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) in New York is currently at the epicenter of a massive institutional overhaul, driven by a scathing U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report that found a pattern of unconstitutional policing. As of late 2025, the department is navigating the complex path of mandated reform while simultaneously launching new community-focused and law enforcement initiatives aimed at rebuilding public trust and modernizing operations.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the MVPD's current status, detailing the major controversies that have rocked the department and the critical new goals—from expanded drug enforcement to a new Citizen Police Academy—that are defining its future trajectory. The department’s commitment to change is being tested daily as new leadership works to implement systemic improvements.

MVPD Executive Leadership and Institutional Profile

The Mount Vernon Police Department serves the city of Mount Vernon, New York, a densely populated city in Westchester County, just north of The Bronx. The department's structure is led by a Commissioner of Public Safety, who oversees the Chief of Police and Deputy Commissioners.

  • Jurisdiction: City of Mount Vernon, New York (Westchester County)
  • Current Chief of Police / Acting Police Commissioner: Marcel Olifiers
  • Deputy Police Commissioner of Public Safety - Reform: Jennifer Lackard
  • Key Challenge: Implementing comprehensive reforms following the U.S. DOJ’s findings of systemic civil rights violations.
  • Recent Major Incident: Suspension of MVPD members following a van shooting incident in late 2025.

Chief Marcel Olifiers and Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Lackard are tasked with overseeing the department's operations and the critical reform efforts. Deputy Commissioner Lackard's specific title, "of Public Safety - Reform," underscores the administration's focus on compliance and change following the federal investigation.

The Devastating DOJ Report and Unconstitutional Policing

The single most defining factor for the MVPD in recent history is the comprehensive report released by the U.S. Department of Justice. This investigation revealed a disturbing "pattern and practice" of unlawful conduct that has fundamentally challenged the department's operations and public image.

Key Findings of the Civil Rights Investigation

The DOJ's findings were not isolated incidents but rather systemic failures across multiple areas of policing and administration. The report found that the MVPD engaged in a pattern of unconstitutional practices, creating a climate of distrust and legal jeopardy.

  • Excessive Force: The investigation found that officers routinely used excessive force, including against individuals who posed no threat.
  • Unlawful Stops and Searches: Officers were found to engage in unconstitutional stops, searches, and seizures, violating the Fourth Amendment rights of Mount Vernon residents.
  • Financial Mismanagement: Beyond civil rights issues, the report also detailed deep financial mismanagement within the department, suggesting systemic operational failures.
  • Failure to Act: Local leaders have faced significant scrutiny for allegedly failing to take decisive action to address the DOJ's findings nearly a year after the report's release.
  • Reform Blueprint: In the wake of the report, organizations like the Blacks In Law Enforcement Of America have proposed detailed reform blueprints to guide the necessary systemic changes.

The findings necessitate a comprehensive consent decree or memorandum of agreement with the DOJ, which would mandate external oversight and specific policy changes to ensure compliance and protect the civil rights of the community. This ongoing controversy ensures that the MVPD remains under intense local and national scrutiny.

MVPD’s 2025 Initiatives: A Path Toward Modernization and Community Trust

In response to both the internal need for improvement and the external pressure from the DOJ, the Mount Vernon Police Department has announced several significant goals and new initiatives for 2025. These efforts aim to modernize law enforcement tactics, enhance public safety, and build stronger relationships with the community.

New Law Enforcement and Public Safety Programs

The MVPD is focusing on tangible, forward-looking programs that directly address crime and improve departmental capabilities. These initiatives signal a move toward more proactive and technologically-assisted policing.

  • Public Safety Camera Program: The City of Mount Vernon officially launched a city-wide Public Safety Camera Program in late 2025. This initiative is designed to increase surveillance capabilities, deter crime, and assist in investigations across the city.
  • Expanded Drug Enforcement: A major goal for 2025 is to significantly expand drug enforcement efforts, targeting the distribution and use of illegal substances within Mount Vernon.
  • New K-9 Unit: The department is planning to add another K-9 (Canine) unit, enhancing its capacity for search and rescue, narcotics detection, and apprehension.

Community Engagement and Transparency Efforts

Recognizing the need to mend the fractured relationship with the community, the MVPD is placing a renewed emphasis on transparency and citizen involvement. This is a direct strategy to counteract the negative perception created by the DOJ’s findings.

  • Citizen Police Academy: A key goal for 2025 is the establishment of a Citizen Police Academy. This program will offer residents an inside look at police operations, policies, and procedures, fostering mutual understanding and accountability.
  • MVPD Monthly Updates: The department has begun releasing monthly video updates (e.g., November 2025, September 2025) to provide the public with an inside look at how the MVPD is working to keep the city safe and to detail recent activities and arrests.
  • Community Events: While not a new concept, the MVPD continues to engage in community-focused events, similar to models used by other departments, to strengthen bonds between officers and residents.

The combination of internal scrutiny from the DOJ and the implementation of these new programs positions the Mount Vernon Police Department at a critical inflection point. The success of Chief Olifiers and Deputy Commissioner Lackard in navigating the required reforms while achieving these modernization goals will determine the future of law enforcement in Mount Vernon, New York.

The Future of Policing in Mount Vernon

The challenges facing the Mount Vernon Police Department are immense, but the commitment to reform and modernization is clear. The DOJ's report serves as a powerful mandate for change, forcing the department to address systemic issues related to civil rights, use of force, and operational transparency. The MVPD’s response—the launch of a Citizen Police Academy, the expansion of drug enforcement, and the adoption of new technology like the Public Safety Camera Program—demonstrates a proactive effort to move beyond past controversies.

Moving forward, the focus will remain on the implementation of the reform blueprint, ensuring that the new leadership, Chief Olifiers and Deputy Commissioner Lackard, can translate goals into sustainable, constitutional policing practices. The community and federal overseers will be watching closely to see if these new initiatives result in a truly reformed, effective, and trustworthy police department for the City of Mount Vernon.

mount vernon police department new york
mount vernon police department new york

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