The City of Trenton [COT] and the Trenton Police Department [TPD] announced several measures that have been or will be implemented to improve the delivery of public safety to the citizens of Trenton, including actions that address instances of TPD conduct announced by the US Department of Justice [USDOJ] in November 2024, following its year-long investigation commenced in October 2023. The conduct included alleged unconstitutional stops/searches/seizures, and use of excessive force.
“As was the case with the USDOJ investigation, COT and TPD have continued their cooperation with the USDOJ in developing responsive actions to the USDOJ’s findings,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “While we do not necessarily agree with all of the findings or conclusions reached in the USDOJ report, COT and TPD are committed to advancing the quality and manner in which policing is conducted in Trenton. We continue to meet regularly with USDOJ representatives to coordinate these efforts.”
TPD Director Steve Wilson added, “The timeline presented will give the citizens of Trenton, our ultimate evaluators, a much clearer understanding of where the TPD is now, where it is going in the future, and how we plan to get there, as well as illustrating the significant work that TPD has been doing, in many cases years before the USDOJ investigation even began, to proactively address the issues identified in the USDOJ report.”
The timeline outlines the current status of the TPD, its future direction, and the key steps within the department:
- Ongoing: Use of Force, Vehicle Pursuit and Domestic Violence trainings are conducted in person during semi-annual firearms qualifications, in keeping with NJ Office of the Attorney General [NJOAG] Guidelines.
- As funding permits, newly-promoted supervisors are sent to FBI-LEEDA Supervisory, Command, and Executive Leadership training courses.
- SEP 2021: All TPD personnel completed training for Integrating Communications, Assessment (de-escalation) and Tactics and Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (officer intervention to prevent harm).
- 2021: Citizen complaint forms placed online.
- MAY 2023: Updated to include 11 languages and anonymous option.
- 2024: Certain language modified in accordance with USDOJ recommendations.
- MAR 2022 – PRESENT: Internal Affairs [IA] restructuring. Began in MAR 2022, expansion of IA duties and move to a new building.
- FEB 2024: IA was reorganized into the Internal Affairs Bureau [IAB], expanded in size and scope, and staffed with additional personnel. IAB is now commanded by a Captain with the eventual phase out of detectives to be replaced by Sergeants [a USDOJ recommendation]. The training unit is now part of IAB, which informs all IAB findings.
- IAB now reviews every Use of Force and Vehicle Pursuit incident, which exceeds the bi-level “meaningful Command review” required by NJOAG.
- IAB conducts and documents individualized training with any Officer found to have committed a minor violation.
- IAB conducts and documents roll call training regularly.
- IAB forms have been updated to conform with USDOJ recommendations.
- MAY 2022: Trenton Community Street Teams program initiated. This program recruits, vets, and trains community members to function as street-level youth liaisons and mentors.
- JUN 2022: Outreach initiative in conjunction with Recovery Advocates designed to connect those homeless individuals in need of assistance with substance abuse, mental health, and related issues with service providers.
- APR 2023: Mandatory Resiliency training for all Officers instituted, which includes training on coping mechanisms, mental and emotional wellness, etc.
- AUG 2023: Department-wide, mandatory DEI and sensitivity training.
- AUG 2023: First-line supervisor training instituted.
- 2023: Violent Crimes Unit (later cited as problematic by USDOJ) dissolved.
- DEC 2023: Field Training Officer program updated to encompass best practices, consistent with President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
- JAN 2024: Comprehensive policy review commenced.
- JAN 2024: Search and Seizure Training conducted with all officers by Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
- MAR 2024: Street Crimes Unit (highlighted by USDOJ as problematic) dissolved.
- MAY 2024: Mandatory, Department-wide, DEI and sensitivity training.
- SPRING 2024: De-escalation, Ballistic Shield, and Active Shooter training.
- 2024: TPD commences participation in ARRIVE Together program, which is aimed at improving trust between law enforcement and community by improving the health and well-being of individuals with mental and behavioral health emergencies and connecting individuals to care and resources rather than the criminal justice system.
- FALL 2024: Use of OC Spray training conducted.
- 2025: Accreditation process initiated to ensure that policies and procedures are defensible and in compliance with internationally-accepted standards for law enforcement excellence.
“TPD will continue to strive to earn the trust and respect of the citizens it protects,” concluded Wilson. “Accordingly, we will provide further updates as our discussions with USDOJ continue.”
In addition to the police activities, Mayor Gusciora shared news of a new City initiative about to be launched. “I am excited to announce that the City will be implementing a program called “City-Stat” beginning in April. This public safety initiative provides a live, in-person, monthly forum for citizens to directly voice their concerns and issues to the appropriate department directors and a channel to follow up on any needed response. More details on this initiative will be provided in the coming weeks.”
