The New Jersey State Police have been criticized in a new report issued by the state’s comptroller for not doing enough to prevent discriminatory policing practices within their ranks. Despite regularly issuing lengthy reports on racial profiling, the report found that state police leaders did not adequately address data trends indicating persistent adverse treatment of racial and ethnic minority motorists. Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh stated that the failure of the State Police to take action against these trends suggests that the issues are more serious than previously realized.
The report was issued as part of the state comptroller’s mandate under a 2009 law to conduct an annual review of the state police and its Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards. It follows a 2023 report commissioned by the state attorney general that also found evidence of discrimination against Black and Latino drivers. The professional standards office had requested information from the state police to explain these trends, but received limited responses or little information in most cases, according to the comptroller. Attorney General Matt Platkin, who oversees the state police, stated that he found many of the report’s findings to be “inexcusable and deeply troubling,” and emphasized the importance of addressing bias and implicit bias in law enforcement.
The New Jersey State Police were previously under federal supervision for a decade until 2009 due to racial profiling allegations on state highways. Following this period, the state implemented policies aimed at continued oversight and eliminating discriminatory policing practices during traffic stops. Despite these efforts, the recent report highlights ongoing challenges within the state police concerning the treatment of minority motorists. The report raises questions about accountability and transparency within the law enforcement agency and underscores the need for continual monitoring and enforcement of anti-discrimination measures.
In response to the report, the state police have not yet provided a public statement addressing the findings. However, the state comptroller’s office has called attention to the need for the state police to take substantive action to address the issues identified in the report. The lack of meaningful responses from the state police to address the disparities in their treatment of people of color raises concerns about the organization’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment. Moving forward, it will be essential for the state police to demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating bias and discrimination within their ranks and ensuring fair treatment of all motorists.
The findings of the report suggest that the New Jersey State Police must prioritize addressing bias and discrimination within their organization to rebuild trust with the communities they serve. The state comptroller’s office has raised important concerns about the lack of action taken by state police leaders to address racial disparities and discriminatory practices. In order to uphold the values of fairness and justice, the state police must take proactive steps to address these issues and implement measures to prevent future instances of discrimination. Transparency, accountability, and a commitment to anti-discrimination efforts will be crucial for the state police to regain public trust and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals.
