Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced a series of recommended reforms for the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) following two separate investigations into the organization. The recommendations, which have been accepted by NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, aim to address issues identified in the reports and additional reforms suggested by the Attorney General's Office.

The first report, prepared by Kaufman Dolowich LLP, reviewed recruitment, hiring, promotional practices, and workplace environment at NJSP. The second report and a memorandum from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) detailed findings against a now-retired NJSP lieutenant formerly assigned to the Office of Professional Standards (OPS). Both reports found significant problems with how Internal Affairs matters were handled within NJSP.

“New Jersey Troopers are tasked with the difficult, but vital, responsibility of keeping our state safe. While most Troopers discharge these duties with distinction, these investigations revealed deeply troubling conduct and systemic problems within the New Jersey State Police that demand reform,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The New Jersey State Police is a proud organization comprised of thousands of brave law enforcement professionals – but it is imperfect and must embrace change.”

The recommendations include several key actions:

- NJSP must notify OPIA of all complaints against senior leadership and OPS members.

- Develop an alternative mechanism for reporting misconduct within NJSP.

- Review confidential position designations and transfer practices.

- Reform hiring processes to better reflect state diversity.

- Adjust sick-leave policy and physical fitness tests to accommodate pregnant and postpartum persons.

- Provide feedback to troopers not selected for promotion.

- Implement annual training on DEI, discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and anti-hazing policies.

Additionally, AG Platkin has taken steps to remove human resources and equal employment opportunity functions from NJSP control and absorb them into the Department of Law and Public Safety. Increased oversight will be implemented through embedding staff at OPS.

Colonel Callahan expressed his commitment to implementing these reforms: “We cannot allow these problems to tarnish the honor and fidelity that so many men and women in this uniform live by. I am committed to working with Attorney General Platkin and his team to implement these necessary reforms.”

The OPIA investigation revealed various instances of misconduct within IA matters. One notable case involved Lt. Joseph Nitti focusing on identifying an anonymous complainant rather than addressing allegations made in a complaint about a racist comment directed at a senior Black member of NJSP.

In another instance examined by OPIA, Lt. Nitti used inappropriate investigative techniques contrary to commands when handling confidential internal affairs business. Following this investigation, Colonel Callahan agreed to transfer out every member who received inappropriate texts from Lt. Nitti without reporting them.

OPIA sustained seven IA violations against Lt. Nitti and concluded it would have recommended his termination had he not already left NJSP during the investigation.

The Kaufman Dolowich LLP report followed a four-year inquiry into allegations of race and gender discrimination at NJSP. The study included statistical analysis conducted by Palmer Morrel-Samuels from the University of Michigan, determining no significant impact on promotions based on race or gender between 2017-2021.

Approximately 150 troopers participated in confidential interviews for this report. Many reported experiences of discrimination or bullying particularly prevalent in Troop A in South Jersey.

“I would like to thank Karol Corbin Walker and her colleagues at Kaufman Dolowich LLP for their diligent efforts,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The experiences described in the report by troopers in the State Police are valid, disappointing, unacceptable.”

Among other findings:

- Diversity among troopers has increased since 1998 but still does not reflect state demographics.

- Lack of diversity persists in higher ranks despite reformed promotional processes.

- Internal Affairs complaints can block promotions due to lengthy resolution times.

- Persistent issues with Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action processes discourage reporting discrimination or misconduct.

- Transfers are exploited as retaliation or punishment without repercussions.

- Maternity leave policies require revision for fairness towards pregnant officers.

Kaufman Dolowich LLP's full report can be accessed online.