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Mother and local activists urge police accountability after April arrests
Summary
Several residents, including a mother of two juveniles arrested in April, urged the Mount Vernon City Council to ensure timely communication and accountability from the police department during public comment, saying Internal Affairs interviews remain pending while the investigation continues.
Several residents used the public-comment portion of the Mount Vernon City Council meeting on June 15 to press for police accountability after an April arrest.
Brittany Laur, who said two juvenile daughters were arrested by the Mount Vernon Police Department on April 14, told the council she submitted concerns to the City Manager and the Minority Affairs Committee and has cooperated with Internal Affairs. Laur said she was told the investigation remains open because the officers involved have not yet been interviewed while they arrange legal representation and that she expects to meet with the police chief later this month. “I understand the City Council does not oversee personal decisions within the Police Department; however, I am asking as an elected representative of this community to listen and acknowledge the experience of my family,” Laur said, adding she wants timely communication so “another family does not have to experience what my family went through.”
Brittany Kennedy, founder of Mixed Sistaz United, spoke in support of Laur and said the person responsible should be held accountable. Kennedy also raised a separate concern, saying a video showing her music being loud went viral and that she and others have experienced harassment; she asked the Mayor to look into that matter.
Michelle Young, speaking as a mother and grandmother of bi‑racial children, said the officer involved “crossed the line” and urged fair, equal treatment for children.
City officials present confirmed the Internal Affairs investigation was ongoing and that some officer interviews were pending while those officers sought legal counsel. Councilors did not take formal action during the meeting on the complaints; Laur said she expects a meeting with the chief later in the month.
