New Jersey Supreme Court Halts Lower Court’s Decision on Paterson Police Control
The Supreme Court of New Jersey has temporarily halted a lower court’s ruling that challenged the authority of Attorney General Matt Platkin in taking charge of the Paterson Police Department. This decision allows Platkin’s appointed officer to continue overseeing the department, as confirmed by the attorney general. The court did not provide an explanation for its ruling, but Platkin expressed his approval in a statement on X.
“As our appeal proceeds, the PPD will continue to run as it has since March 2023: ensuring public safety while strengthening community trust,” remarked Platkin.
The appellate court had previously stated that Platkin lacked the authority to “supersede” the Paterson police force following the widely publicized shooting death of Najee Seabrooks. Seabrooks was shot by officers after barricading himself in a bathroom, an incident that drew significant attention.
The appellate court also advised Platkin to return control of the police department to local authorities and reinstate Police Chief Engelbert Ribeiro, who had been reassigned to a police training commission. However, this directive is on hold due to the Supreme Court’s recent order.
The timing of this decision coincides with the Biden administration’s scrutiny of other police departments, including Trenton’s, which has been accused of engaging in a pattern of misconduct. Platkin has been vocal about the need for increased police accountability throughout New Jersey.
Paterson, located roughly 20 miles northwest of Manhattan, has a population of about 160,000. Over recent decades, the city’s demographics have shifted, with Black residents now making up nearly 24% and Hispanics just over 60% of the population. This change has led to tensions with the predominantly white police force.
Attorney General Platkin has acknowledged the community’s distrust of the police, particularly in light of several fatal incidents. Since 2019, Paterson police have been involved in the fatal shootings of four individuals, and two others, including Jameek Lowery, have died while being restrained.
The appellate court’s previous ruling did not affect Platkin’s control over the police department’s internal affairs unit, which is responsible for internal investigations. City officials have not contested this aspect of the takeover.
