The Neglect of Public Safety in Mount Vernon: A Call for Accountability

Public safety in Mount Vernon has been dangerously neglected, leaving residents and police officers alike to shoulder the burdens of political and fiscal irresponsibility. Recent budgetary decisions by the Mayor and City Council have laid bare a troubling disregard for the safety of our city and the well-being of the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD).

In 2024, the MVPD was budgeted for 208 positions. However, in the 2025 budget, this number has been slashed to 184 positions—a reduction of 24 roles. Even more concerning, throughout 2024, the department managed to fill, on average, only 165 of the budgeted positions. This shortfall generated over $3 million in savings on salary and benefits. Yet, despite this significant surplus, the overtime budget only exceeded its allocation by $800,000, leaving over $2 million unaccounted for. Where did this money go?

The discrepancies don’t end there. For at least the past five years, the MVPD has never reached its fully budgeted staffing levels. This consistent shortfall should have resulted in substantial cumulative savings. Yet, these funds remain unallocated to meaningful improvements, particularly in addressing the glaring issue of officer compensation. The city’s refusal to make the MVPD’s salaries competitive with other departments in Westchester County has left our officers overworked, underpaid, and demoralized.

Adding to this crisis is the high turnover rate among MVPD officers. Under the Shawyn Patterson-Howard administration, the department has lost over 150 officers to transfers. This alarming attrition not only undermines morale but also severely hampers community policing efforts aligned with the Barack Obama 21st Century Policing initiatives. These initiatives emphasize the importance of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Without consistent staffing and experienced officers, building and maintaining these vital relationships becomes nearly impossible, leaving the community less safe and further disconnected from its police force.

The consequences of this neglect are stark. With fewer officers on the force, public safety is compromised, response times are slower, and the remaining officers are stretched thin. Meanwhile, the city continues to grant tax breaks to developers who flood Mount Vernon with new residential units, further straining our already overstretched police department. These actions not only endanger the community but also raise serious questions about fiscal priorities.

Adding insult to injury, Mount Vernon residents face a substantial tax increases year after year. How can the city justify this additional burden on taxpayers while sitting on millions of dollars in unspent funds derived from staffing shortfalls? Why hasn’t this money been used to properly fund the MVPD and ensure the safety of our streets?

If elected to the City Council, I vow to open a full investigation into this apparent misuse of taxpayer money. It is imperative that we uncover where these funds have gone and hold those responsible fully accountable. We must also prioritize using the savings from reduced staffing levels to provide MVPD officers with a contract that reflects their dedication and aligns their salaries with regional standards.

Mount Vernon deserves leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its residents and public servants. It’s time to end the cycle of neglect and demand transparency, accountability, and real investment in public safety. Only then can we ensure a secure and thriving future for our city.