A New Jersey state trooper, Jason Dare, was fired last year after an investigation into his white supremacist-linked tattoos, including a giant neck tattoo of a Hitler Youth slogan. Despite nearly two decades on the job, Dare was let go from the department on Nov. 27, as reported in a newly published annual state police disciplinary report and by NJ.com. The investigation into his tattoos was triggered after the department put out a missing persons alert for Dare in March 2023 when he left a Pennsylvania medical facility and disappeared.
Although Dare was found safe a few days after being reported missing, it was the “Blood Honor” text tattoo across the bottom of his neck that gained attention from the public. This phrase was the motto of the Hitler Youth during World War II, raising immediate concern. Further investigation found additional problematic tattoos on Dare, including iron crosses on his wrists and a pit bull illustration matching the logo of a white supremacist group, the Keystone State Skinheads. Posts on Dare’s Facebook page also alluded to white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups, adding to the evidence against him.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability launched an internal investigation into Dare after complaints were made about his tattoos. The probe found that Dare violated law enforcement policies on conflicts of interest due to his “visible tattoos associated with groups espousing racist ideology.” While the annual disciplinary report published by the state police does not specifically mention Dare’s hate-linked tattoos as the reason for his termination, it does list charges related to “uniform and grooming standards.” In addition, Dare violated the terms of a previously negotiated plea agreement for misconduct by leaving a medical facility without proper notification to the Division and entering an unoccupied residence without permission.
Dare was terminated from employment with the division after discharging a round from a shotgun through the front window of his residence, as stated in the disciplinary report. The details surrounding Dare’s medical treatment, disappearance, and firearm incident have not been disclosed by state police. The attorney general’s office confirmed that Dare was fired on Nov. 27 following their investigation into his tattoos and connections to white supremacist groups. Despite the publicity surrounding Dare’s case, the state police have not shared any additional information regarding the circumstances leading to his termination.
The firing of Trooper Jason Dare serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues of white supremacy and racist ideologies within law enforcement. His case highlights the importance of thoroughly vetting officers for extremist beliefs or affiliations to ensure the fair and just treatment of all individuals by law enforcement. The actions taken by the New Jersey State Police in response to Dare’s tattoos and associations with hate groups demonstrate a commitment to upholding the integrity and professionalism expected of law enforcement officers. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and oversight to address potential instances of racism and discrimination within police departments.
