Current:Home > ScamsJustice Department investigates possible civil rights violations by police in New Jersey capital-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Justice Department investigates possible civil rights violations by police in New Jersey capital
lotradecoin regulatory compliance overview View Date:2024-12-25 17:20:30
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! (2155)
Related
- Get 10 free boneless wings with your order at Buffalo Wild Wings: How to get the deal
- 567,000 chargers sold at Costco recalled after two homes catch fire
- Celebrations honor Willie Mays and Negro League players ahead of MLB game at Rickwood Field
- Traveling exhibit details life of Andrew Young, diplomat, civil rights icon
- Get 10 free boneless wings with your order at Buffalo Wild Wings: How to get the deal
- Lilly King's fabulous five minutes: Swimmer gets engaged after qualifying for Olympic event
- Costco made a big change to its rotisserie chicken packaging. Shoppers hate it.
- UK fans wonder if Taylor Swift will say ‘So long, London’ after Eras Tour
- Big Georgia county to start charging some costs to people who challenge the eligibility of voters
- 88-year-old Montana man who was getaway driver in bank robberies sentenced to 2 years in prison
Ranking
- Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey announce engagement with new photos
- Judge in Trump classified documents case to hear arguments over Jack Smith's appointment as special counsel
- McDonald's unveils new $5 meal deal coming this summer, as franchise focuses on 'value'
- MLB at Rickwood Field: 10 things we learned at MLB's event honoring Negro Leagues
- White House says deals struck to cut prices of popular Medicare drugs that cost $50 billion yearly
- Iowa trucker whose body was found in field died of hypothermia after taking meth, autopsy finds
- AP Week in Pictures: Global
- DNC plans to hit Trump in Philadelphia on his relationship with Black community
Recommendation
-
Ryan Reynolds on his 'complicated' relationship with his dad, how it's changed him
-
Reggie Jackson recalls racism he faced in Alabama: 'Wouldn't wish it on anybody'
-
Parents accused of leaving infant unattended on shore while boating in New York
-
Trump campaign says it raised $141 million in May, compared to $85 million for Biden
-
Wisconsin’s Evers urges federal judge not to make changes at youth prison in wake of counselor death
-
Prosecution rests in the trial of a woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend
-
Trump to campaign in Virginia after first presidential debate
-
Ryan Murphy makes Olympic trials history with 100, 200 backstroke sweep