TRENTON, N.J.– Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has ordered the implementation of recommended reforms following two separate investigations into the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).
Colonel Patrick Callahan has agreed to accept the recommended reforms. He will assign command staff members to oversee the implementation and provide updates to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Two reports associated with the investigations were released to promote transparency and accountability within NJSP. One report from Kaufman Dolowich LLP reviewed recruitment, hiring, promotional practices, and the workplace environment; the other from the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) detailed conduct by a retired NJSP lieutenant.
Attorney General Platkin called for more than two dozen reforms, including increased reporting to OPIA and development of anonymous reporting mechanisms. The OAG will review practices like confidential position designations and frequency of transfers to prevent manipulation.
Additional steps include removing human resources and equal employment opportunity functions from NJSP control and increasing OLEPS oversight. Reforms in the hiring process also aim to better reflect New Jersey’s diversity.