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Payne Statement on Department of Justice Investigation into Newark Police Department

July 22, 2014

Newark, N.J. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) released results of its investigation into the Newark Police Department in response to allegations of excessive force and discriminatory practices:

“The DOJ’s findings from its investigation into the Newark Police Department are gravely concerning to me and to the community. Not every police officer is in violation of their duties, as many of our men and women in uniform perform their job with dignity and respect. However, the DOJ’s findings demonstrate that immediate corrective action must be taken. The DOJ has outlined very clear steps to remedy these concerns, and I know that Mayor Baraka and Police Director Venable are serious in their commitment toward taking these necessary steps to improve the department and address these major constitutional violations.

“The people of Newark deserve better, they deserve a police department that they can trust, and they deserve a department that will keep the people of Newark safe. I have had a good relationship with NPD over the years, and I will work with them and the DOJ to ensure the police department has the essential resources it needs to comply with DOJ’s requests, to remedy these serious findings, and to become an exemplary department.”

Issues:Local Issues