The U.S. Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division revealed that Trenton, New Jersey’s police force routinely uses excessive force and engages in unlawful stops and arrests. After a 13-month investigation, the department found that officers often use physical force, including pepper spray, against individuals who do not pose a threat, escalating situations unnecessarily. This pattern of violations infringes on citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Trenton’s mayor, W. Reed Gusciora, stated that the city fully cooperated with the investigation and has begun implementing reforms, including disbanding two street enforcement units involved in misconduct. The investigation also highlighted that the city has paid over $7 million since 2021 to settle lawsuits related to police misconduct. One case involved a 64-year-old man who died after being slammed and pepper-sprayed by officers despite posing no threat.
The investigation is one of twelve launched by the Justice Department under President Biden’s administration to address systemic civil rights abuses by police. However, such efforts may be curtailed when President-elect Donald Trump takes office, as his previous administration limited similar probes. The Justice Department has yet to reach court-approved reforms following any of its completed investigations.
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