The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and Yolanda Melville, Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, have filed a lawsuit against the Clark Police Department. The complaint alleges that the department engaged in intentional discrimination and policing practices that disproportionately affect drivers based on race.
In response to this legal action, Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey, issued a statement: “The lawsuit filed by the Attorney General and the Division on Civil Rights against the Clark Police Department sends a clear message: law enforcement must be held accountable for discriminatory and racist practices. For decades, the Clark Police Department has been notorious for racism and discrimination, and this lawsuit is an important milestone in holding the department accountable for practices that have targeted and harmed communities of color. At a time when the federal government is abdicating its responsibility to hold police departments accountable for misconduct, New Jersey must lead the way. We are optimistic that Attorney General-nominee Jennifer Davenport will continue to meaningfully address police misconduct and to champion robust oversight to build a fairer, more equitable, and safer New Jersey for all.”
The ACLU-NJ has long advocated for increased accountability in law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. The organization sees this lawsuit as an important step toward addressing systemic issues within local police departments.
