By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced a series of comprehensive reforms for the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) following two separate investigations that revealed systemic issues within the department.
The proposed changes come after an extensive review of the NJSP's recruitment, promotion practices, and internal affairs operations.
According to Attorney General Platkin, the investigations highlighted troubling conduct within the NJSP, including the misuse of the Internal Affairs function against some troopers while others faced no repercussions for misconduct.
Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the NJSP, has acknowledged the need for reform and committed to implementing the recommended changes.
One report, conducted by the law firm Kaufman Dolowich LLP, focused on recruitment, hiring, and workplace environment.
It found that certain practices may have inadvertently contributed to discrimination. Another investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) uncovered issues in handling internal affairs cases, including a former lieutenant’s attempts to identify an anonymous complainant rather than investigating allegations of a racist comment made against a senior Black officer.
In response, Attorney General Platkin has directed the NJSP to implement over two dozen reforms, including:
- Enhanced transparency and accountability in reporting misconduct within NJSP.
- A review of confidential positions and transfer practices to prevent manipulation.
- Reforms to the hiring process to better reflect New Jersey's diversity.
- Improved policies to support pregnant and postpartum troopers.
- Mandatory annual training on diversity, discrimination, and harassment.
Additionally, the Attorney General has removed control of human resources and equal employment opportunity functions from the NJSP, placing them under the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Increased oversight of the NJSP by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards (OLEPS) has also been mandated.
“The findings in these investigations run contrary to the founding principles of the New Jersey State Police,” said Colonel Callahan. “We cannot allow these problems to tarnish the honor and integrity of this organization. I am committed to working with Attorney General Platkin to implement these necessary reforms.”
The reports and accompanying memoranda detailing the investigations and proposed changes are available to the public as part of the Attorney General’s effort to promote transparency and restore trust within the ranks of the NJSP and the communities they serve.