Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced a slate of recommended reforms to be implemented by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) following the completion of two separate investigations into the NJSP. Attorney General Platkin has directed that all of the recommendations set forth in both reports, as well as additional reforms identified by his Office, be accepted and implemented by the NJSP. Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the NJSP, has recognized the need for reform and has agreed to accept the recommended reforms, and will be dedicating members of his command staff to oversee the implementation and provide regular updates and deliverables to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Attorney General Platkin also released the reports associated with both investigations to promote greater transparency and accountability within the ranks of the NJSP, and to strengthen trust with the residents of New Jersey, as well as the trust of the troopers harmed by the conduct uncovered in these investigations. The first report was prepared by the law firm of Kaufman Dolowich LLP, retained by the State to review the recruitment, hiring, and promotional practices and workplace environment at the NJSP. The Attorney General also released a report, as well as a memorandum, from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), detailing the findings made against a now-retired NJSP lieutenant formerly assigned to the NJSP’s Office of Professional Standards (OPS). OPS is the unit responsible for the internal affairs function for the NJSP’s more than 3,000 members. During the investigation, OPIA also uncovered extensive problems with how Internal Affairs (IA) matters have been handled at NJSP, which are detailed in the accompanying memorandum also released today. Many of the findings of OPIA are consistent with the findings of Kaufman Dolowich despite the fact that both investigations were conducted independently. Notably, both investigative teams found that the Internal Affairs function of the NJSP was weaponized against some troopers, while those favored by management operated with impunity.

“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.”

Attorney General Platkin has recommended that the NJSP implement all of the more than two dozen recommendations set forth across both reports. These recommendations include the following actions:

• A requirement that NJSP affirmatively notify OPIA of all complaints made against NJSP senior leadership and members of the OPS.
• NJSP, subject to OAG approval, must develop an alternative mechanism for reporting misconduct within NJSP – which must also provide for anonymous reporting.
• A review of all confidential position designations, as well as a review of the practice and frequency of transfers within NJSP, will be conducted by OAG to so that these positions and practices serve the stated purposes and are not subject to manipulation.
• Reforms to the hiring process so that the demographics of the NJSP will better reflect the diversity of the state it serves.
• Changes to the sick-leave policy and physical fitness tests to make NJSP a more desirable workplace for women by having policies in place that do not negatively impact pregnant and postpartum persons.
• Providing troopers who are transferred and/or not selected for promotion with supervisory feedback so that they can improve and increase their opportunities for professional advancement.
• Implementing annual, mandatory in-service training for all members on DEI, discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation, and the implementation of an anti-hazing policy.

In addition, the Attorney General has taken the following steps to address issues uncovered by these investigations:

• AG Platkin is removing all human resources and equal employment opportunity functions from NJSP control, and absorbing those offices into the Department of Law and Public Safety.
• AG Platkin has also directed his Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards (OLEPS) to increase its oversight of the State Police, including by embedding staff at OPS at the point where it takes complaints and by helping decide which cases will be transferred for investigation by OPIA.
• The NJSP has been directed to restructure its academy training program to incorporate best practices. Proposals will be submitted to OLEPS for approval.
• The NJSP has been directed to evaluate the leadership within Troop A and propose a strategy for changing the culture of that Troop in light of the issues revealed in that investigation.

“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.”

The reports can be viewed here and here.