Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the TRUST Commission have released a report recommending new measures to address corruption and promote transparency in New Jersey government. The TRUST Commission, formed in early 2025, suggests creating an Inspector General’s Office within the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS), strengthening efforts against conflicts of interest, establishing a unit for compliance with state laws, and introducing other reforms.
“I established the TRUST Commission to bring together well-respected and accomplished New Jersey leaders to help us find ways to serve residents and respond to their concerns, because so many people have lost faith in their government and believe that government often does the bidding of the powerful and the privileged, against the will, and at the expense, of the people,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Building on my Department’s efforts to root out corruption and end the cynicism, disillusionment, civic disengagement, and damage that it causes, the TRUST Commission members have developed thoughtful and specific recommendations that should receive full consideration. I am honored that everyone we approached about participating on the TRUST Commission immediately agreed to give their time and expertise. I cannot thank them enough for their continued service to the State of New Jersey and its residents.”
The Commission includes academics, legal experts, a former state attorney general, former federal prosecutors, and retired judiciary members. Since its formation, members met with DLPS leaders, consulted with the Office of the State Comptroller, and held public listening sessions across North and South Jersey.
The main focus was to examine how government transparency, efficiency, and integrity could be improved. During these sessions, concerns were raised about alleged corruption by officials as well as confusion among residents about how to report suspected misconduct.
Recommendations from the Commission include collaboration between DLPS, the Governor’s Office, and lawmakers to address conflicts of interest at all levels of state government. The proposed Inspector General’s Office would handle conflict of interest cases as well as referrals regarding prosecutor misconduct. Other proposals include creating a Compliance Unit within DLPS; forming a Consumer Product Safety Commission under the Division of Consumer Affairs; improving processes for public referrals for investigation; increasing funding for the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA); among others.
Public input also highlighted issues such as abuse in group homes for people with disabilities. In response, departments including DLPS are working together to improve reporting systems through hotlines and more accessible websites.
One recommendation is: “The work of the proposed Office of the Inspector General would expand the ability of the Department to ensure that the government is worthy of the public it serves, holding it to the highest standards and rooting out wrongdoing even when it does not rise to the level of criminality. In addition to serving a proactive investigative function, it is also the Commission’s intent that the Inspector General’s authority, including its authority to issue public reports in the absence of criminal behavior, will serve as a deterrent to potential wrongdoing and misconduct,” according to the report. “This is what the public demands and what the government must demand of itself. Improving the public’s trust in government requires significant action and dedication to eliminating fraud, abuse, and unethical or illegal activity at all levels. Establishing a statutory Office of Inspector General within DLPS is a necessary step in furtherance of that mission.”
Another area addressed is contract bidding: “Improper bidding on public contracts, self-dealing, and immense unjust benefits from political deal-making that line pockets are pervasive,” states another section from their findings. “The public senses it and feels powerless to take any action to stop it.”
Additional recommendations call for legislation criminalizing misleading statements during contract bidding or withholding information intentionally; enacting statutes similar to federal laws penalizing lying to officials; establishing a Compliance Unit tracking adherence by regulated individuals like police officers or health professionals; simplifying how citizens submit complaints or referrals about corruption.
The full report can be accessed online.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin serves statewide legal responsibilities focused on upholding laws while providing enforcement oversight throughout New Jersey counties (official website). The agency delivers services such as legal support for residents’ protection—covering areas like law enforcement regulation—and consumer protection initiatives across municipalities (official website). It holds authority over prosecution matters relating directly to state safety mandates (official website).
