Justice Department will probe Trenton Police Department

The Justice Department has launched an investigation to determine if the conduct of the Trenton Police Department has violated the U.S. Constitution and federal laws in the alleged use of excessive force and a possible pattern and practice of unlawful stops and searches, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger and Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke announced today.

“Unfortunately, we have reviewed numerous reports that Trenton police officers may have used force inappropriately and conducted stops, searches, and arrests with no good reason in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights,” Sellinger stated.

The decision to open a probe follows Sellinger’s town hall meeting in Trenton five weeks ago and a review of court records, body-worn camera footage, and information suggesting that police officers stopped pedestrians and motorists and conducted searches of homes and cars in possible violation of their constitutional rights.

But the top law enforcement official said no specific incident prompted the decision to investigate.

Leading the investigation will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“Effective policing requires public trust,” Clarke said.  “When law enforcement officers violate the Constitution and federal law, it erodes trust and undermines public safety efforts.”

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Police Director Steve Wilson, and Director Wes Bridges of the Trenton Law Department have all committed to cooperating with the investigation.

“I’ve instructed all levels of city government to fully cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its investigation,” Gusciora said.  “My administration knows all-too-well the difficulty and danger police officers face on a daily basis. We thank and support the overwhelming majority of officers at the city, county, and state level who do the right things every day to keep Trentonians safe.”

In response to today’s announcement, the NJ State PBA and the Trenton Police PBA Local 11 affirmed they would also comply with the investigation, while also pointing to challenges the Trenton Police Department faces, such as serious staffing shortages and a lack of resources.

“We understand and respect the purpose of the Department of Justice’s investigation,” the union said in a statement. “However, we hope that this inquiry will also shed light on the pressing need for additional resources and support for our officers. It is essential that we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and its dedicated public servants.”

Under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the Department of Justice has the authority to seek court-ordered changes to a law enforcement agency, if it is believed to be engaging in a prohibited practice or pattern.

“Today’s announcement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring effective, constitutional policing in Trenton and throughout New Jersey,” Sellinger said. “Trenton residents should be assured that we will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the Trenton Police Department, and that we will address any unlawful conduct we find.”

Clarke said the probe could take up to one year.