Trenton, N.J. – From the moment that the Justice Department announced its review of the Trenton Police Department (TPD), I ensured that every part of the City’s government fully cooperated and provided all the requested information and documentation. Officials from the USDOJ embedded into the TPD and even participated in ride-alongs with patrols so that each aspect of the TPD’s operations were subject to review.
We gave this extraordinary access because we believe that the safety of our residents and the protection of their constitutional rights is paramount, as is supporting those members of law enforcement who do their best every day. These are not mutually exclusive ideas. All residents of the City of Trenton, and the thousands of people who come here to work and visit on a daily basis, want and deserve a police department which keeps them safe while upholding the rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution. Trust within the community is absolutely critical to the mission of the TPD, and the members of the TPD must work at building and rebuilding that trust every day.
Although members of my administration were briefed on the high-level findings and recommendations contained in the Report and were given the opportunity for a limited review, the City was not provided a copy of the Report prior to today’s announcement. Our understanding from the USDOJ’s statements and our limited review of the Report is that the USDOJ recommends better training, enhanced supervision, and improved recordkeeping. Even prior to the USDOJ review, the City and the TPD had already begun to change policies and practices that prioritize community safety, accountability, and respect for civil liberties. One of the most important changes is the formation of the Internal Affairs Bureau which consists of the internal affairs, professional standards, human resources, and training units.
The City will continue to work cooperatively with the USDOJ, our state partners at the Department of Law and Public Safety and the Department of Community Affairs, local community organizations, and residents to implement the recommendations highlighted in the Report as quickly as possible.