The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Trenton and its police department over alleged misconduct. The investigation is of reports that officers regularly used excessive force, routinely stopped motorists and pedestrians without justification and illegally searched homes and cars.
In announcing the investigation, New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said Trenton residents have long complained about the department’s alleged practices, leading to the federal inquiry. Mayor Reed Gusciora and the city’s police director Steve Wilson said they will cooperate with the investigation.
The union representing Trenton police officers responded by citing ongoing staffing shortages since 2011 when, after budget cuts, the city laid off more than 100 officers.
