Attorney General Unveils Sweeping Reforms for New Jersey State Police

NEW JERSEY - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a comprehensive series of reforms for the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) today, following two major investigations revealing deep-rooted issues within the agency. The reforms, which have been accepted by NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, aim to address internal misconduct, discrimination, and systemic flaws that have undermined trust within the force and with the public.

The investigations, conducted independently by the law firm Kaufman Dolowich LLP and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), uncovered a troubling pattern of misconduct and discrimination. Both reports highlight significant failings in the NJSP’s Internal Affairs (IA) system, including the misuse of IA processes to punish certain troopers while allowing others to escape accountability.

“New Jersey Troopers are tasked with the difficult, but vital, responsibility of keeping our state safe. While most Troopers discharge these duties with distinction, these investigations revealed deeply troubling conduct and systemic problems within the New Jersey State Police that demand reform,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The New Jersey State Police is a proud organization comprised of thousands of brave law enforcement professionals – but it is imperfect and must embrace change. These investigations found that there are favored members at the State Police, and some members hesitate to report discrimination or misconduct for fear of reprisals. This cannot continue.”

Key Findings from the Investigations

The first report, prepared by Kaufman Dolowich LLP, focused on recruitment, hiring, promotions, and the workplace environment at the NJSP. It found persistent issues with discrimination based on race and gender. Additionally, the OPIA report shed light on serious misconduct within the NJSP's Office of Professional Standards (OPS), responsible for overseeing internal affairs.

The OPIA investigation revealed that IA processes had been weaponized, allowing senior leadership to shield favored troopers from disciplinary action while targeting others. In one notable case, retired Lt. Joseph Nitti misused resources to protect a trooper accused of making racist comments, focusing his investigation on identifying the anonymous complainant instead of addressing the allegations. Nitti also made inappropriate comments regarding a criminal investigation into a trooper's sexual misconduct, which further eroded trust in the system.

Additionally, both reports found evidence of systemic discrimination, particularly in NJSP Troop A, located in South Jersey, where bullying and race-based misconduct were most prevalent.

Comprehensive Reform Measures

In response to these findings, Attorney General Platkin has mandated more than two dozen reforms, including:

• Greater Oversight of Internal Affairs: NJSP is now required to notify OPIA of any complaints against senior leadership. An alternative anonymous reporting mechanism for misconduct will also be implemented.
• Improved Accountability and Diversity: The hiring process will be overhauled to reflect the state's diverse demographics. Troopers will receive feedback after promotions or transfers, and annual mandatory training on diversity, equity, and inclusion will be instituted.
• Restructuring the NJSP Academy: NJSP will reform its training programs to incorporate best practices, subject to approval by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards (OLEPS).
• Cultural Shift in Leadership: A comprehensive evaluation of the leadership in Troop A will take place, with strategies to address the culture of discrimination and bullying.
• Increased Oversight by the Department of Law and Public Safety: AG Platkin has removed all human resources and equal employment opportunity functions from NJSP control, transferring them to the Department of Law and Public Safety.

Addressing the Mistreatment of Troopers

Several of the reforms specifically address the mistreatment of NJSP troopers. Notably, NJSP's sick-leave policies will be updated to ensure that they do not penalize pregnant and postpartum women, and efforts will be made to improve gender equity within the workplace. Additionally, the long-ignored issue of inadequate locker room facilities for female troopers at the State Police headquarters will be rectified.

“I would like to thank Karol Corbin Walker and her colleagues at Kaufman Dolowich LLP for their diligent efforts and thoughtful recommendations for improvements. I have asked the State Police to implement these needed changes,” Attorney General Platkin said. “The experiences described in the report by troopers in the State Police are valid, disappointing, unacceptable, and will not be simply dismissed by NJSP leadership.”

Promoting Transparency

To foster transparency, Attorney General Platkin has released the full findings of both reports, including OPIA’s memorandum on the misconduct of Lt. Nitti. These documents, available to the public, underscore the need for ongoing reforms.

Colonel Patrick Callahan has pledged to fully implement these changes, dedicating command staff to oversee the process and ensure compliance.

“The findings set forth in the Kaufman Dolowich report run contrary to the founding principles of the Division of the New Jersey State Police,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan. “We cannot allow these problems to tarnish the honor and fidelity that so many men and women in this uniform live by. I am committed to working with Attorney General Platkin and his team to implement these necessary reforms.”

A Path Forward

With these reforms, New Jersey's law enforcement leadership aims to reshape the culture of the NJSP, addressing long-standing issues of misconduct and discrimination. These changes, when fully implemented, are intended to create a more accountable, fair, and diverse police force that better reflects and serves the people of New Jersey.

For more details, the full reports are available through the Office of the Attorney General.

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