Westchester County police department found to have violated Fourth Amendment on a large scale, according to federal prosecutors.
Improper Strip Searches Uncovered in Mount Vernon Police Department
In a disturbing incident in 2020, two elderly women, aged 65 and 75, were subjected to a humiliating and unnecessary strip search after a traffic stop in Mount Vernon, N.Y. The women were instructed to undress, bend over, and cough, a degrading procedure commonly used in drug arrests. Despite not being arrested, the women were left feeling humiliated and fearful. An investigation later revealed that the traffic stop had no valid basis.
This incident is just one example of a larger pattern of improper strip searches conducted by the Mount Vernon Police Department in Westchester County. A recent report released by the Department of Justice and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York highlighted significant systemic deficiencies within the police department. These deficiencies have led to unnecessarily violent encounters, improper arrests, and concerns about discriminatory policing in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
The 34-page report detailed how highly intrusive strip searches and cavity searches were standard practices within the department. Officers admitted to conducting strip searches on every individual they arrested until at least October 2022, a practice deemed a gross violation of the Fourth Amendment. These searches were often conducted without reasonable suspicion of drug possession and sometimes even before an arrest was made. Additionally, individuals reported being subjected to repeated searches while in custody, despite being under constant police supervision.
The report shed light on the deeply ingrained issues within the Mount Vernon Police Department, highlighting the need for immediate reform to prevent further violations of individuals’ rights. The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic deficiencies and promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies to ensure fair and just treatment for all members of the community.
Source: The NY Times
