New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced sweeping reforms for the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) after two investigations uncovered “deeply troubling conduct and systemic problems” within the force. The changes aim to address issues in internal affairs, misconduct investigations, and inequities in hiring and promotion processes.
The investigations, conducted by the AG’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and an outside law firm, revealed problems with transparency and accountability, especially in a South Jersey troop, where reports of discrimination and bullying were most common.
One report detailed misconduct by now-retired Lt. Joseph Nitti, who was found to have used racist language and mishandled investigations, while another found that female troopers were subjected to “integrity checks” during maternity leave.
The changes include transferring human resources functions to the Department of Law and Public Safety, mandatory training on discrimination and harassment, and restructuring the NJSP academy.