Trenton — A coalition of advocacy, racial justice, and nonprofit groups has voiced strong opposition to a bipartisan legislative proposal that would remove the New Jersey State Police from the oversight of the state Attorney General's office. The bill, known as S4613, is sponsored by Senators James Beach, Michael Testa, and Anthony Bucco. If passed, it would mean that the New Jersey State Police would no longer be part of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety under Attorney General Matt Platkin.
The Attorney General’s office has been working to increase accountability and transparency within the police force, which has faced allegations of racist and ableist practices over many years. Both Attorney General Platkin and his predecessor Gurbir Grewal have implemented directives aimed at limiting police cooperation with ICE due to its impact on communities.
Additionally, efforts have been made by the office to ensure safety for individuals with disabilities during interactions with law enforcement officers. The office has also played a significant role in legal actions against policies perceived as threats to civil rights under former President Trump's administration.
Reverend Charles Boyer, founder of Salvation and Social Justice, stated: “The New Jersey State Police has a long, well-documented history of racism embedded in their culture. To allow them to separate from the oversight of the Attorney General’s office is not just irresponsible—it’s an assault on the Black community."
Surraya Johnson from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice remarked: “There is no good reason to remove the New Jersey State Police from the oversight of the Attorney General’s office.”
Dena Mottola Jaborska of New Jersey Citizen Action emphasized: “It’s vital that Attorney General Platkin continue his office’s efforts in shaping our state police force into a more transparent institution.”
Marleina Ubel from New Jersey Policy Perspective warned: "Stripping the Attorney General's oversight...eliminate one of the few independent checks on a law enforcement agency with a long history of systemic racism."
Jim Sullivan from ACLU-NJ commented: “This misguided legislative effort could not come at a worse time...New Jerseyans – and all people who enter our state – deserve better.”
Antoinette Miles from New Jersey Working Families Party added: "We are deeply troubled by this disturbing piece of legislation...we need our elected officials in Trenton to be working with General Platkin more closely than ever."
Organizations opposing this legislation include Salvation and Social Justice, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, New Jersey Citizen Action, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey among others.
