As part of the ongoing implementation of the Paterson Police Department (PPD) Strategic Plan, the department today announced a significant update: the relocation of the Professional Standards Division and Internal Affairs Unit from police headquarters to a new office at 100 Hamilton Street. This move is designed to enhance accessibility and impartiality by providing a neutral location where community members can be interviewed, file complaints, and discuss concerns with investigators, reinforcing the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The relocation aligns with the 2023 PPD NextGen Strategic Plan’s goal of rebuilding public trust. Relocation of Internal Affairs is one of 55 initiatives outlined in the plan to transform the Paterson Police Department. This plan was developed to improve overall department operations, foster closer collaboration with the community, and rebuild trust through increased oversight and transparency. Nearly 75% of the outlined goals and initiatives have been completed, with the remaining objectives on track for completion by Fall 2025.
“The Paterson Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit has worked diligently for over two years to strengthen accountability and restore community trust,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I commend the dedicated efforts of the PPD IA Unit detectives and the members of the Office of the Attorney General who played a vital role in restructuring the unit following the department’s supersession by my office. By moving to this new location, we ensure that witnesses and complainants feel comfortable coming forward, a step that community members requested during initial listening sessions.”
Since the supersession of the Paterson Police Department by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the Internal Affairs Unit has standardized its investigative and reporting methods and has broadened investigative measures. These efforts have led to more thorough, objective investigations and outcomes focused on accountability and increased trust. There has also been a reorganization of the Professional Standards Division, including changes in leadership, with a strict focus on the mission of regaining the public’s trust and accountability. Since the supersession, the Officer in Charge has met regularly with Internal Affairs to review and resolve cases. Internal Affairs has also focused on efficiency through the investigative and supervisory review processes.
“While the majority of Paterson Police officers uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity each day, it is crucial to rebuilding the public’s trust that we hold accountable those who fall short, and retrain where appropriate,” said Officer in Charge Patrick B. Murray. “All allegations of misconduct are thoroughly examined and addressed, with corrective measures implemented where necessary. I have great confidence in the work being done by our Internal Affairs team. This move will enhance their ability to perform these very important duties.”
“Moving Internal Affairs to an independent location is critical to making the residents of Paterson feel comfortable and safe when reporting police misconduct,” said Public Safety Monitor Isa M. Abbassi. “It is clear that the PPD has made tremendous progress in building bridges to the community and improving the customer experience. This investment is yet another move in the right direction. I want to thank Attorney General Platkin for his continued support of excellence in policing as well as Governor Murphy and the Legislature for their unwavering partnership.”
The effectiveness of these strategic changes is reflected in the Paterson Police Department’s 2024 Internal Affairs Report. The rate of sustained complaints increased to 45% in 2024, compared to 20% in 2023 and just 3% in 2022. This rise is attributed to expanded use of body-worn cameras, heightened scrutiny of policy violations, and a strong emphasis on accountability. Additionally, Internal Affairs has proactively identified “collateral issues”—deficiencies discovered during investigations that were not part of the original complaint—and has taken the initiative to file complaints when potential misconduct is identified.
Notably, the number of complaints filed against officers by community members has dropped to its lowest level in years. In 2024, there were 67 complaints, compared to 117 in 2023 and 120 in 2022. This decline has occurred alongside efforts to increase public awareness of the complaint process through the PPD website and ensure transparency in investigative procedures.
One initiative that has contributed to the decrease is the implementation of the new Early Intervention Program, which has been working with PPD officers since the summer of 2024.This program evaluates officer conduct and provides additional tools and support in order to promote best practices in a non-disciplinary framework. Since its launch in August 2024, the Professional Standards Bureau has assessed 100 officers. Out of these, 24% were instructed by the committee to undergo one or more forms of intervention. These interventions include, but are not limited to, coaching and mentoring sessions, command-level training, increased body-worn camera monitoring, supervisory guidance, wellness support, and additional specialized training as needed.
The Paterson Police Department remains dedicated to maintaining rigorous oversight and continuously assessing officer conduct to uphold its mission of constitutional policing. Supervisory personnel and the Professional Standards Bureau have adopted a proactive approach in identifying and addressing potential violations.
On March 27, 2023, Attorney General Platkin assumed control of all police functions in Paterson. Command of the department was assumed by key members of the Department of Law and Public Safety staff and leaders from within the New Jersey State Police. In November 2024, Officer in Charge Murray took command of the department and will continue that trajectory as the PPD continues to be recognized nationally as a constitutionally focused, accountable, and effective police department.