NJ Supreme Court Rules State Takeover of Paterson Police Was Legal

The Legal Battle Over Paterson Police Department Control

The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that Attorney General Mathew Platkin's control over the Paterson Police Department is legally valid, marking a significant victory for the state's intervention. This decision, issued on July 23, came after a lengthy legal battle and was unanimous among the justices. However, the court emphasized that this ruling should not be interpreted as a precedent for similar actions in other municipalities.

The court based its decision on two specific legislative actions taken by the New Jersey Legislature. One was the allocation of state funding for the operation of the Police Department in July 2024. The second was a Paterson-specific law enacted in July 2023, which altered the job requirements for individuals who could lead the city’s law enforcement agency.

This ruling overturned an earlier decision by an appellate panel in December that had questioned the legality of Platkin’s takeover under New Jersey law. Platkin welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, highlighting the progress made over the past two years. He noted the investment in modern crime-fighting technology, reforms to rebuild community trust, and improvements in officer training and well-being. These efforts have led to historic reductions in homicides and other violent crimes.

A Major Setback for Mayor Sayegh

The decision dealt a major blow to Mayor Andre Sayegh and his allies, who had engaged in a prolonged legal battle to challenge the takeover. Sayegh criticized the outcome, calling it “a tale of two decisions.” He pointed out that the Supreme Court did not explicitly support the argument that the Criminal Justice Act of 1970 allowed the Attorney General to take over municipal police departments without local consent.

Sayegh argued that the ruling serves as an important check on the power of the Attorney General, ensuring that no municipality faces an illegal takeover. He was joined in his lawsuit by Paterson’s assistant public safety director, Mark Bulur, and former Police Chief Engelbert Ribeiro, who was relieved of command shortly after taking office.

Under the attorney general's control, the Paterson Police Department received over $20 million in additional state funding. This money has been used for increased overtime in high-crime areas, new law enforcement technology, training, and headquarters improvements. As a result, the city has seen significant reductions in shootings and other violent crimes.

Public Support for the Decision

Sen. Benjie Wimberly praised the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that it was the best decision for the citizens of Paterson. He highlighted the drop in crime under state control, emphasizing that the statistics speak volumes.

Following the intervention, former New York City Police Chief Isa Abbassi was appointed to lead the Paterson Police Department in May 2023. Abbassi focused on repairing the relationship with the community, supporting officers, and addressing the epidemic of gun violence in the city. His leadership has led to meaningful changes, including modernized operations and regained trust.

In November 2024, Abbassi was shifted to a statewide public safety monitor position, and Capt. Pat Murray, a 40-year veteran of the Paterson police force, took over as the new officer in charge. Murray expressed pride in the changes achieved, noting the department’s transformation into one that the public can believe in.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Challenges

Paterson Policemen's Benevolent Association President Angel Jimenez acknowledged the strong relationship between the department and the rank-and-file officers. However, he also noted that some officers were sad about the departure of Ribeiro, the ousted chief. Ribeiro has since been assigned to a police training commission job in Trenton.

The state’s intervention followed a period of unrest in Paterson, including protests and turmoil after a fatal police shooting. Prior to this, the city had faced a scandal involving eight officers convicted in an FBI probe, including those who called themselves the “robbery squad.”

Local activists and officials have expressed relief at the Supreme Court’s decision. Corey Teague, a social justice activist, said the ruling means the AG will continue to oversee the Police Department, preventing it from being left to its own devices. Councilman Luis Velez praised the takeover, attributing the mayor’s legal battle to a political agenda.

Looking Ahead

While Platkin has not specified how long his office will maintain control of the Paterson Police Department, insiders expect the takeover to end next year when the next governor takes office. The ongoing efforts to improve the department and ensure public safety remain a priority for all involved.