The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice released a report on Mar. 4 titled “Newark Police’s Consent Decree: A Solid Foundation for a Work in Progress.” The report examines the history, achievements, and ongoing challenges of the Consent Decree that guided policing reforms in Newark over nine years.
The Consent Decree was put in place after a Department of Justice investigation found unconstitutional policing practices by the Newark Police Division. These included violations of the Fourth Amendment and disproportionate stops and arrests of Black residents. The decree led to 16 policy reforms addressing issues such as stops, searches, use of force, officer discipline, and body-worn cameras.
Surraya Johnson, Director of the Criminal Justice Reform Program at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and primary author of the report, said, “Newark’s police transformation was built from the ground up – rooted in community voice, accountability and collective advocacy.” Johnson added that while progress has been made under federal oversight, work remains: “Although there is still work to be done, the Consent Decree stands as an example of what disciplined, community-centered reform can achieve. It shows that constitutional policing is possible, that trust can be built, and that meaningful change can occur when a city is serious about transformation.”
Federal oversight ended last November when U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Cox Arleo determined Newark had reached substantial compliance with the terms set out by the Department of Justice. The Institute’s new report reviews how community surveys tracked changing perceptions toward police during this period.
Johnson emphasized ongoing vigilance: “Newark’s reckoning began with violence. The Consent Decree marked a push toward accountability. Now it’s up to the people of Newark to ensure accountability from Newark police.” She also stated that lessons from Newark are relevant nationally: “Newark’s experience offers lessons not just for this city but for municipalities across this country still grappling with the unfinished promise of justice.”
Looking ahead, Johnson called for further state-level policy reforms to maintain momentum towards public safety improvements. She concluded: “At a time when cities across the country are under siege by violence from federal law enforcement…further action will be necessary to keep progress moving toward public safety in Newark.”
