NYC Gazette

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, and Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, have announced the successful conclusion of a long-standing investigation into the Yonkers Police Department (YPD). This investigation was conducted under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. In November 2016, an agreement was made between the U.S., the City of Yonkers, and YPD to improve policies in areas such as use of force, citizen complaints, misconduct investigations, supervisory oversight, and training. The U.S. has now agreed to terminate this agreement.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: “Since the commencement of our investigation in 2007, the Yonkers Police Department has worked assiduously and cooperatively to implement significant reforms which ensure that its officers are well trained, well informed, and guided on appropriate uses of force.” He commended YPD for achieving substantial compliance with all provisions of the agreement.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke remarked: “The success of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department under this agreement demonstrates the fundamental truth that fair, constitutional and effective policing can enhance public safety.” She noted that settlement payouts on excessive force claims have decreased significantly from 2017 to 2023.

The resolution marks an end to a comprehensive review process initiated by a technical assistance letter issued by the U.S. in 2009. This letter highlighted concerns about YPD's policies on use-of-force among other issues. After further reviews through early 2015 showed insufficient progress, extensive negotiations led to a formal agreement in November 2016.

Under this agreement, YPD committed to several reforms including maintaining clear policies against excessive force, documenting uses of force promptly, developing data collection systems for investigatory stops excluding traffic enforcement stops, ensuring transparency in misconduct complaint processes, and building community relationships. The department also focused on protecting First Amendment rights related to observing police conduct.

Since implementing these measures with oversight from consultant Charles Reynolds—former president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police—the City has seen improvements such as reduced excessive force allegations leading to fewer settlement payouts. Internal Affairs investigations have become more efficient with average completion times dropping significantly between 2019 and 2023.

Additionally beyond required changes under this agreement; YPD expanded its body-worn camera program started in August 2020 requiring Field Services Division officers' participation increased field training hours instituted Crisis Negotiation Team initiatives Community Affairs Division engagement over numerous outreach programs annually.

Leadership played a crucial role throughout these developments according both Williams & Clarke who praised former Commissioners Charles Gardner John Mueller current Commissioner Christopher Sapienza along civilian staff sworn officers involved case handled Office’s Civil Rights Unit Assistant U.S Attorney Tomoko Onozawa charge case