TRENTON, NJ – The U.S. Justice Department announced today it has initiated a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Trenton Police Department (TPD) in New Jersey. The investigation aims to determine if TPD has engaged in systemic violations of the Constitution and federal law, focusing primarily on the department’s use of force and stops, searches, and arrests. A comprehensive review of TPD’s policies, training, supervision, and internal protocols will also be conducted.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division stated, “The Justice Department is opening an investigation into the Trenton Police Department after an extensive review of publicly available information and other information provided to us suggesting that officers used force, stopped motorists and pedestrians and conducted searches of homes and cars in violation of the Constitution and federal law.”
Clarke emphasized the need for public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies, adding that the department would “take appropriate action to remedy” any substantiated violations.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey added his voice to the mix, acknowledging the tough and mostly honorable work of police officers. “But if police officers abuse the trust the community places in them and fail to respect the constitutional rights of those in the community, and if the community feels threatened by those who wear the badge, it undermines public safety and endangers the very citizens they swore to protect and serve,” he said.
Prior to this announcement, Trenton city officials, including Mayor Reed Gusciora, Director Steve Wilson of TPD, and Director Wes Bridges of the Trenton Law Department, were notified and have pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of the probe, the Justice Department will engage with community groups and the general public to gather more information about their interactions with TPD.
For those with relevant information, the Justice Department has provided multiple avenues for contact, including an email address and phone number. A virtual community meeting will also be held on October 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET to discuss the investigation further.
The inquiry will be jointly conducted by the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division, under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.