The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that Attorney General Matthew Platkin's intervention in the Paterson Police Department's operations in March 2023 was lawful. This decision overturns a previous ruling by the Appellate Division.
The ACLU of New Jersey, among other partners, had supported the Attorney General's authority to supersede police departments through a friend-of-the-court brief. They argued that such power is essential for promoting accountability and preventing abuse by police forces against vulnerable communities.
Ezra Rosenberg, ACLU-NJ Director of Appellate Advocacy, stated, "We are pleased the Court recognized the Attorney General’s authority to take over the Paterson Police Department." He emphasized that this decision supports efforts to protect communities from police misconduct and called for legislative action to affirm this power explicitly.
Henal Patel, Law & Policy Director for the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, remarked on the importance of this decision for Paterson residents. "Today’s decision was a win for Paterson," Patel said. She urged lawmakers to codify the Attorney General's powers into law with public involvement to ensure proper oversight when necessary.
Liza Chowdhury, Executive Director of Reimagining Justice, Inc., also expressed support for the court's ruling. She highlighted the need for mechanisms that hold police accountable when public trust is compromised. Chowdhury pledged continued support for efforts addressing community concerns in Paterson.
Jesse Burns, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, welcomed the court's decision as well. Burns noted that external intervention is needed due to systemic failures in Paterson's policing and called it a step toward restoring public trust and advancing reform.
