Justice Department Uncovers Shocking Violations in Police Department

The Justice Department uncovers a pattern of civil rights violations by the Trenton Police Department, prompting calls for reform and accountability.

At a Glance

Trenton Police Department found to engage in conduct violating the Fourth Amendment.
Excessive force, unlawful stops, and arrests without probable cause identified.
Deficiencies in training, supervision, and accountability contribute to misconduct.
Justice Department aims to implement reforms for constitutional policing.
City has paid over $7 million in lawsuits since 2021 due to police misconduct.

Justice Department Reveals Disturbing Findings

The U.S. Justice Department has concluded an extensive investigation into the Trenton Police Department (TPD) and the City of Trenton, New Jersey, uncovering a pattern of civil rights violations. The probe, which began on October 17, 2023, involved a thorough review of police records and interviews with both TPD members and community residents.

The investigation revealed that TPD officers routinely engaged in conduct that violated the Fourth Amendment rights of Trenton residents. This includes the unlawful use of excessive force, particularly the deployment of physical force and pepper spray in situations where there was no significant resistance or danger present.

The DOJ spent a year conducting what's known as a pattern or practice investigation, which looks into whether the Trenton Police Department has a pattern of conduct that violates federal law. https://t.co/KuD6Ry2Oay

— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) November 22, 2024

Unconstitutional Practices and Their Impact

According to the Justice Department’s findings, TPD officers frequently conducted stops, searches, and arrests without reasonable suspicion or probable cause. These actions not only violate constitutional rights but also erode public trust in law enforcement. The report highlighted several disturbing incidents, including the use of excessive force on a 16-year-old unarmed boy, which led to his transfer to another school due to fear.

“Police officers must respect people’s civil and constitutional rights and treat people with dignity,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “After an extensive review, we found that police officers in Trenton routinely failed to respect the Fourth Amendment rights of those who call Trenton home. Trenton police stop and search pedestrians and motorists without a legal basis, make illegal arrests and use excessive force without basis. We are committed to the hard work necessary to achieve constitutional policing across the country. By bringing city officials, the police department and the community together, we are confident that we can institute meaningful reforms that remedy the violations uncovered.”

The investigation also revealed that between March 2020 and December 2023, TPD officers reported using force in 815 incidents, with pepper spray being deployed 120 times. These statistics underscore the urgent need for reform within the department.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

The Justice Department’s report includes more than two dozen recommendations for remedial action. These suggestions aim to address the deficiencies in training, supervision, policy, and accountability that have contributed to TPD’s unlawful conduct. The city and TPD have expressed cooperation with the investigation and are working towards implementing the recommended reforms.

“For too long, the residents of Trenton have felt afraid of the police, rather than protected by them,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “The use of excessive force and unconstitutional stops, searches and arrests, sometimes with tragic consequences, have eroded public trust and undermined public safety. Today’s findings are the first step in achieving the reforms needed to rebuild public trust, so that the Trenton Police Department can effectively fight crime and keep residents safe, while respecting the constitutional rights of each and every person.”

As part of the reform process, the Justice Department will conduct community outreach to gather input on remedies to address the findings. Trenton may become the second city in New Jersey, after Newark, to enter into a federal agreement to change police practices. These steps are crucial in rebuilding trust between the police force and the community they serve.