SandSJ Responds to New Jersey Attorney General’s Recommendations Following New Jersey Comptroller’s Investigation of State Police

For Immediate Release

Contact: Racquel Romans-Henry | Racquel@sandsj.org 

September 25, 2024

In response to Attorney General Platkin’s announcement recommending a series of reforms to be implemented by New Jersey State Police following two separate investigations launched by the New Jersey Comptroller’s office, the Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Executive Director of Salvation and Social Justice, issues the following statement: 

I reflect on the fact that my predecessor and mentor Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and the Black Ministers’ Council had to consistently push back against racism in the State Police Department for decades. Here we find ourselves again, seeing the same exact patterns and issues which are rooted in a culture that is adversarial towards Black people. We commend Attorney General Platkin on recommending a series of reforms to be implemented by the New Jersey State police. But it is important to remember this latest instance exists within a storied history characterized by two federal consent decrees and a longstanding culture of racial profiling and use of force during traffic stops particularly against Black motorists. In recent years there have been even more evidence to suggest that not only does this history of structural racism continue … it persists internally even against Black officers despite calls for diversity and increased training of police. If they treat Black officers like this one can only imagine how they treat Black people. 

What is true today with the release of these recommendations is true throughout the State Police’s 103 years of existence. It is a truth that extends beyond this particular body and applies to law enforcement agencies throughout this state. To ensure the safety and security of Black New Jerseyans, police cannot go unchecked. There must be a commitment to transparency and accountability that extends beyond mere rhetoric. 

If we are serious about reforming a system that routinely and unjustly unleashes its wrath on Black people, then we must see substantive policy change from lawmakers. We must see policies that hold those who have violated their oath to protect and serve accountable and we must see increased investments into policies that reduce unnecessary police interaction with our communities. 

We are urging the legislature to advance S2348/A4175 to reduce police use of force. Additionally, we are urging the legislature to increase funding of community-led crisis response teams and make it a codified budgetary item to limit unnecessary and harmful interactions between the police and communities of color.