U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Civil Rights Investigation Into Trenton Police Department

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, in conjunction with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, has announced a civil pattern or practice investigation into the Trenton Police Department (TPD) and the City of Trenton. This sweeping investigation follows numerous reports and community concerns over possible systemic violations of constitutional rights by the TPD.

Who: U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division are spearheading the investigation.

What: The investigation seeks to ascertain whether the TPD and the City of Trenton are in violation of federal law and the Constitution. The inquiry will look into TPD's use of force, stops, searches, and arrests, as well as the Department’s overall policing policies.

When: The announcement came on October 17, 2023, following a preliminary review and community outreach.

Where: The investigation focuses on Trenton, New Jersey, affecting both the City and its Police Department.

Why: According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, the office has received multiple reports suggesting that TPD officers might be "using force inappropriately and conducted stops, searches, and arrests with no good reason."

These alleged actions not only breach constitutional rights but also "undermine public safety and endanger the very citizens they swore to protect and serve."

How: The probe will include an extensive review of TPD policies, complaint mechanisms, and disciplinary decisions. The Justice Department is encouraging individuals with relevant information to come forward.

A Closer Look: Speech by U.S. Attorney Sellinger

In a speech delivered on October 17, 2023, U.S. Attorney Sellinger elaborated on the background of the investigation. He revealed that at a town hall meeting held five weeks prior, community members had expressed severe concerns about TPD's conduct, specifically in regards to "excessive force" and "stops and searches done for no good reason."

Sellinger emphasized, "the reports of violations are not isolated to a particular unit or bureau within the Trenton Police Department; they run throughout the Trenton Police Department. Therefore, our investigation will focus on the Department as a whole."

The U.S. Attorney further clarified that the purpose of the investigation is not to lay blame but to "fix problems that may exist."

Reflecting on a similar investigation conducted a decade ago into the Newark Police Department, Sellinger concluded that "both effective crime fighting and civil rights protection are not only possible but essential."

Next Steps

Officials have assured the public of their commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. Residents are encouraged to submit any pertinent information to the Justice Department via email at USANJ-Community.Trenton@usdoj.gov or by phone at 973-645-2801.

This investigation comes under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which allows the Department to take legal action against state and local governments if there is reasonable cause to believe that their law enforcement officers have engaged in unlawful patterns or practices.

The gravity of this investigation cannot be overstated. The implications are significant not just for the Trenton Police Department but also for the broader community that they serve. Through this investigation, both law enforcement agencies aim to restore public trust and ensure the adherence to lawful and constitutional policing practices in Trenton.

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