Mount Vernon Faces Hiring Scrutiny After 2nd Officer Charged

Concerns raised over vetting process after back-to-back arrests of police officers

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a police badge or handcuffs, the metallic surfaces reflecting the harsh, direct light of the camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the scrutiny facing the Mount Vernon Police Department's hiring procedures.The arrests of two Mount Vernon police officers in quick succession raise serious questions about the department's hiring and vetting practices.Mount Vernon Today

A second Mount Vernon, New York police officer has been charged with a crime in the span of just two weeks, raising alarm about the department's hiring and vetting practices. Brandon Hunter-Carney was arrested for allegedly taking possession of a stolen $800,000 check years before joining the force, while Det. Kyren Braunskill was recently charged in an alleged gun trafficking conspiracy. Community activists and policing experts are now calling for Mount Vernon to thoroughly review its hiring procedures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Why it matters

The back-to-back arrests of Mount Vernon police officers have shaken public trust in the department and highlighted the importance of rigorous background checks and vetting for law enforcement candidates. Hiring officers with prior misconduct or criminal histories can put the community at risk and undermine the integrity of the entire police force.

The details

Brandon Hunter-Carney, a Mount Vernon police officer, was arrested this week for allegedly taking possession of a stolen $800,000 check years before joining the department. This comes just days after another Mount Vernon officer, Det. Kyren Braunskill, was charged in an alleged gun trafficking conspiracy. Braunskill was hired by Mount Vernon shortly after being fired as a New York State Prison Guard and placed on a 'decertification list' due to misconduct. Lawyers for both officers say they are preparing to defend against the charges.

  • Brandon Hunter-Carney was arrested on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Det. Kyren Braunskill was charged in the alleged gun trafficking conspiracy in the weeks prior to Hunter-Carney's arrest.

The players

Brandon Hunter-Carney

A Mount Vernon police officer who was arrested this week for allegedly taking possession of a stolen $800,000 check years before joining the department.

Det. Kyren Braunskill

A Mount Vernon police officer who was recently charged in an alleged gun trafficking conspiracy. Braunskill was hired by Mount Vernon shortly after being fired as a New York State Prison Guard and placed on a 'decertification list' due to misconduct.

Jess Van Lew

A community activist in Mount Vernon who questioned the vetting process used by the police department in light of the recent arrests.

Mike Lawlor

A police expert who reviews hiring practices in New Haven, Connecticut and says rigorous background checks are vital to avoid such incidents.

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What they’re saying

“Was he properly vetted in the city? Who's doing the vetting in Mount Vernon?”

— Jess Van Lew, Community Activist

“I think a rigorous background check is the only way to avoid this type of incident.”

— Mike Lawlor, Police Expert

What’s next

Mount Vernon has promised to review its hiring practices and internal affairs follow-up procedures for current and potential employees in light of the recent arrests.

The takeaway

These back-to-back arrests of Mount Vernon police officers highlight the critical importance of thorough vetting and background checks during the hiring process. Hiring officers with prior misconduct or criminal histories can severely undermine public trust and put the community at risk, underscoring the need for rigorous screening to ensure the integrity of the police force.