A suburban New York police official, Jennifer Lackard, was arrested along with her son Chase for involvement in a gang-related drive-by shooting in June. The incident occurred near the Bronx Criminal Court, with records indicating both were taken into custody by the NYPD on a Tuesday.
Prior to her arrest, Lackard served as the deputy commissioner of wellness for the Mount Vernon Police Department. Her responsibilities included police reform, implementing a civilian complaint review board, and overseeing officer wellness.
Lackard reportedly had connections to the mayor’s office. She and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard are said to be sisters in the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This connection emerged when she assumed her leadership role.
In a statement, the City of Mount Vernon announced they terminated Lackard’s employment effective immediately. They clarified the allegations against her were unrelated to her official duties with the police department or her job performance.
Prior to joining the police department, Lackard was active in the community. She worked as the President of the Station of Hope prison re-entry ministry and organized the Re-Entry Meetup for Westchester County since 2015. She also served on advisory boards related to criminal justice in Westchester County and New York City.
The shooting incident, involving her son Chase, drew significant attention; he was shot and wounded by police in a separate event in the Bronx on November 22, 2024.
Lackard’s arrest and termination raise questions about the impact of personal connections in public roles. The case continues to unfold as more information emerges.