Current:Home > StocksJustice Department investigates possible civil rights violations by police in New Jersey capital -Blueprint Wealth Network
Justice Department investigates possible civil rights violations by police in New Jersey capital
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:57:34
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation Tuesday into possible civil rights violations by the police department in New Jersey’s capital city.
The investigation in Trenton will focus on allegations that officers have used excessive force, stopped motorists and pedestrians without justification, and illegally searched homes and cars.
“The public must have trust and confidence that police officers will treat them fairly and with respect,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Civil Rights Division, said in a written statement. “The Justice Department will conduct a full and fair investigation into these allegations, and if we substantiate those violations, the department will take appropriate action to remedy them.”
Democratic Mayor Reed Gusciora, Police Director Steve Wilson and the head of the city’s legal department were notified of the investigation and have pledged cooperation, federal authorities said.
In a separate statement, Gusciora on Tuesday praised “the overwhelming majority of officers at the city, county, and state level who do the right things every day to keep Trentonians safe.” But he added, “If any members of law enforcement violate the public trust or act in contravention of our state and federal laws, they should and must be held accountable.”
The union representing police in Trenton, a city of about 90,000 people, responded to the probe by citing persistent staffing shortages since 2011, when budget cuts forced the city to lay off 105 officers, or nearly a third of the force.
The union said police responded to 41 shooting incidents over the past 30 days “and have consistently demonstrated commitment, always doing more with less.”
“We understand and respect the purpose of the Department of Justice’s investigation. However, we hope that this inquiry will also shed light on the pressing need for additional resources and support for our officers,” said a joint statement by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association and the union’s chapter in Trenton.
If the federal probe determines the police department has broken federal law, the Justice Department can sue to force changes.
In 2022, the department’s internal affairs unit investigated 128 complaints. Only 14 were sustained, including one criminal violation and 12 labeled “other rule violation,” according to a summary on the department’s website. None of the eight allegations of excessive force, 13 of improper arrest and six of improper search was sustained.
veryGood! (3489)
Related
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Rihanna Shares Glimpse at Her Delicious Pregnancy Cravings That Will Make Your Mouth Water
- 45 bags containing human remains found after 7 young people go missing in western Mexico
- Sweden close to becoming first smoke free country in Europe as daily cigarette use dwindles
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Microsoft president Brad Smith on real concern about Chinese malware targeting critical infrastructure
- Why Adam Sandler Is “Psyched” for Jennifer Aniston’s Future Partner
- Emotional Jeremy Renner Says He Would “Do It Again” to Save Nephew in First Interview Since Accident
- Small twin
- New mom nearly dies from rare flesh-eating bacteria days after giving birth
Ranking
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Shanghai records hottest day in May in 100 years, weather service says
- Royal Family Mourns Unexpected Death of Comedian Paul O'Grady
- Chanel West Coast Details Her Next Chapter After Leaving Ridiculousness
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Missing 73 years, Medal of Honor recipient's remains returned to Georgia: He's home
- Adam Levine Reveals If His and Behati Prinsloo's Daughters Will Follow in His Rockstar Footsteps
- Priyanka Chopra Recalls Being in a Tumultuous Relationship When Nick Jonas Slid Into Her DMs in 2016
Recommendation
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Turkey's President Erdogan wins runoff election, set to remain in power until 2028
Royal Family Mourns Unexpected Death of Comedian Paul O'Grady
More children than ever displaced and at risk of violence and exploitation, U.N. warns
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
Russia used starvation tactics against Ukraine civilians, investigators claim in new war crime allegation
U.N. nuclear chief urges Russia and Ukraine to ban attacks at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
Gwyneth Paltrow Trial: Daughter Apple Martin Says Mom Was Shaken Up After Ski Crash