Feds Launch Probe Into Newark Police Department

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 9, 2011 7:25PM

Police Superintendent designate Garry McCarthy is getting out of Newark at the right time. The Justice Department is launching an investigation into allegations of rampant misconduct and lax internal oversight within the Newark Police Department after months of complaints by the New Jersey American Civil Liberties Union.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said the investigation will look into charges of excessive force, discriminatory policing and poor treatment of detainees in holding cells, and allegations officers in the department retaliate against people who legally observe, or record, police activity. The New Jersey ACLU filed a 96-page claim to the Justice Department in September calling for an independent monitor for the police department. They listed 407 instances of misconduct ranging from police officers breaking a man's jaw and eye socket during an arrest, seven deaths attributed to Newark officers and $4.8 million in legal settlements paid out the past 2-1/2 years to settle 38 cases brought against police by residents or department employees. At least three dozen cases are still pending against the department. New Jersey ACLU executive director Deborah Jacobs calls the allegations evidence of "an ingrained culture of lawlessness."