FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Justice Department Announces Investigation Of New York City Police Department’s Special Victims Division

Comprehensive Review of Policies, Procedures, and Training, Including SVD’s Investigations of Sexual Assault Crimes and Treatment of Survivors

Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Special Victims Division (SVD) of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The investigation will assess whether the SVD engages in a pattern or practice of gender-biased policing. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of the policies, procedures, and training for SVD investigations of sexual assault crimes, including how SVD interacts with survivors and witnesses, collects evidence, and completes investigations; any steps NYPD has taken to address deficiencies in its handling of sexual assault crimes; how SVD allocates staffing and other resources; and the services and support offered to survivors of sexual assault. As part of this investigation, the Justice Department officials will reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with SVD.

Prior to the announcement, Justice Department (Department) officials notified Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, and NYC Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, who have pledged to cooperate with the investigation.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: “Survivors of sexual assault should expect effective, trauma-informed and victim-centered investigations by police departments. Based on information provided to the Justice Department, we find significant justification to investigate whether the NYPD’s Special Victims Division engages in a pattern or practice of gender-biased policing. Investigations into sexual assault that comply with the Constitution promote accountability, enhance public safety and foster community trust.”

SDNY U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Victims of sex crimes deserve the same rigorous and unbiased investigations of their cases that the NYPD affords to other categories of crime. Likewise, relentless and effective pursuit of perpetrators of sexual violence, unburdened by gender stereotypes or differential treatment, is essential to public safety. We look forward to working with our partners in EDNY and the Civil Rights Division to assess the NYPD’s practices in this area.”

EDNY U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said: “Respectful, thorough, and complete investigations of sexual assaults are fundamental to a well-functioning justice system. Over the last several months, we have learned concerning information from a variety of sources of historical issues about the way the Special Victims Division has conducted its investigations for many years. Our review is intended to ensure that, going forward, survivors of sexual assault in New York City receive fair and just treatment in the criminal justice system, and as a result, those who engage in sexual violence are held accountable. We appreciate that the NYPD has already taken steps to address these concerns.”