Investigation of the Newark Police Department

The Department of Justice opened an investigation of the Newark Police Department (“NPD” or “the Department”) in May 2011, after receiving serious allegations of civil rights violations by the NPD, including that the NPD subjects Newark residents to excessive force, unwarranted stops, and arrests, and discriminatory police actions. This report sets out the DOJ’s investigative findings. The investigation finds that NPD officers made biased assumptions of who can be a “true” victim, investigators appeared to ignore basic investigatory steps, and the department has not made significant efforts to provide vital support for victims, such as referrals to counseling services or a competent liaison between services.