New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced a broad set of reforms for the State Police following two investigations that revealed serious misconduct and systemic issues within the force. The changes come after investigations by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and an independent law firm.

Platkin’s reforms address internal misconduct, favoritism, and discrimination within the New Jersey State Police. Among the findings were cases where whistleblower complaints were mishandled, and promotions appeared manipulated to favor certain officers. The reports also uncovered a culture where minority troopers feared reporting discrimination, and where Internal Affairs procedures were “weaponized” to block promotions.

The reforms include transferring oversight of human resources and equal employment functions from the State Police to the Attorney General’s Office. Mandatory training on discrimination and harassment, improving recruitment to better reflect New Jersey’s diversity, and changes to maternity policies are among the proposed reforms.

The agency has faced repeated controversy, including racial profiling allegations in the 1990s and a current federal investigation into racial and gender discrimination. Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, has agreed to implement the recommendations.

Platkin emphasized the need for change, stating that while many troopers serve honorably, systemic problems within the force must be addressed. The timeline for implementing these reforms has not been specified.