Image Credit: Mark Strozier

The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) conducted a detailed review of 500 motor vehicle stops by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). The investigation revealed that in over 25% of these stops, motorists used courtesy cards, claimed personal connections to law enforcement, or displayed law enforcement badges to influence the outcome. These actions often resulted in leniency, even for serious violations such as driving over 100 miles per hour or suspected drunk driving.

“OSC reviewed more than 3,000 minutes of body-worn camera footage, which included 501 traffic stops conducted by a sample of NJSP troopers over a ten-day period in late 2022. In doing so, OSC found evidence of a two-tiered system in which motorists with ties to law enforcement—no matter how tenuous—were given preferential treatment.” (full report)

State Comptroller Kevin Walsh has shown no issue with taking on powerful politicians and special interests, including law enforcement. This latest report is the fourth since 2023 highlighting persistent issues within New Jersey’s law enforcement practices.

Here are a list of reports on OSC investigations involving Law enforcement. including the most recent report.

Use and Abuse of Officer Discretion in Declining to Enforce Motor Vehicle Violations

The Department of Corrections’ Internal Affairs Unit Failed to Adequately Investigate Abuse Allegations

Ninth Review on Law Enforcement Professional Standards: New Jersey State Police, Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards Failed to Comply with Key Reforms

The High Price of Unregulated Private Police Training to New Jersey

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