Top brass in the Paterson Police Department are suing New Jersey’s attorney general, asking the courts to terminate the state takeover of the embattled department.
A lawsuit filed on Friday by ousted Police Chief Engelbert Ribiero and acting Police Director Mirza “Mark” Bulur claims the attorney general violated the state constitution and “home rule” laws when his office took control of department.
The state’s takeover followed years of controversies, including police shootings, individuals’ deaths while in custody, and an FBI corruption probe.
A spokesperson for state Attorney General Matt Platkin’s office says the suit is “as unfortunate as it is meritless” and reflects the problems within the department that necessitated a state intervention.
State officials also argued the takeover is working, pointing to data showing violent crime decreasing significantly this summer compared to the same time last year.
Meanwhile, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh isn’t part of the lawsuit, but said on Monday that he’s supporting the challenge.
