In response to a grand jury's decision not to indict any officers involved in the killing of Najee Seabrooks by Paterson Police, Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU-NJ, released a statement expressing disappointment.
"Najee Seabrooks should be alive today," said Sinha. "We’re deeply disappointed that no police officer will be held accountable for his killing in a court of law."
The release of videos showing the fatal encounter prompted calls for change. Sinha emphasized the need for investment in non-law enforcement responses to mental health emergencies. He stated, "When the disturbing videos of the deadly encounter were released, it was an urgent reminder that meaningful investment in non-law enforcement responses to mental health calls is an immediate and life-saving need."
Sinha urged New Jersey to work towards preventing unnecessary escalations during police engagements with such calls. He noted that achieving significant change would require transforming policing practices across the state.
"But achieving this profound change requires that our state transform policing wholesale," he added. "And, above all, for New Jersey to achieve a reality that prioritizes safety and de-escalation over lethal force, we all have a responsibility to examine whether armed police officers must be the only response to public distress, especially when proven alternative solutions exist."
