New Jersey’s top cop, Attorney General Matthew Platkin, is facing impeachment for failing to perform the duties of his office and overstepping his authority, according to a resolution introduced Thursday by Assembly Republican Leaders John DiMaio, Antwan McClellan and Christopher DePhillips.

“Platkin has undermined people’s trust in our police and the office of the Attorney General. We’re starting the impeachment process to balance the scales of justice,” Assembly Republican Leader DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “He is not above the law.”

The resolution (AR179) outlines how Platkin has weaponized his position by directing the Division of Criminal Justice and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to conduct investigations that ultimately hurt the work of the state police. One example was an external report analyzing traffic stops that he commissioned.

State troopers have blamed ongoing issues at the OPIA, which is charged with investigating police misconduct and public corruption, for stalling their careers. OPIA employees are failing to process administrative cases involving state troopers in a timely manner, which affects their right to due process, disciplinary actions and promotions.

“Platkin has acted in such a way that has diminished not only troopers’ trust in his leadership, but also the public’s confidence in his ability to act with integrity and transparency. Such a disgraceful pattern of behavior by our chief law enforcement officer warrants an impeachment,” said Assemblyman DePhillips (R-Bergen).

The Republicans assert Platkin’s actions, including filing lawsuits and issuing statements on behalf of the state, amount to “lawfare,” the use of legal systems to damage or delegitimize an opponent.

“Governor Murphy’s AG has been pursuing high-profile cases to capture headlines, not criminals. It is evident his investigations lack merit by the number of charges that are ultimately dismissed by the courts,” said Assemblyman McClellan (R-Cape May).

The articles of impeachment also say Platkin acted unlawfully by taking over the Paterson Police Department, failed to uphold state statutes in court, and mishandled legal responses to the pandemic and a rape accusation involving Gov. Murphy’s campaign staffers. It also argues he targeted pro-life pregnancy centers because of his alliance with Planned Parenthood.

The state constitution starts the impeachment process in the state Assembly, which has the sole power of impeachment by a majority vote of all members. The proceedings then move to the Senate, which is to hold a trial overseen by the chief justice of the state Supreme Court. A two-thirds vote of all the members of the Senate is required to remove Platkin from office.