DOJ Probes Trenton Cops Use of Excessive Force, Violating Civil Rights of Black People, Racism Not Alleged [enforcing "Rights" After they are violated means rights only Exist if an Authority says so]

From [HERE] The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a federal civil rights investigation into New Jersey's capital city and its police department's use of force, stops, searches and arrests.

The "pattern or practice investigation" will determine whether the Trenton Police Department has systemically violated federal law or the Constitution. It will include a comprehensive review of the department's policies, training, supervision, internal investigation protocols, disciplinary decisions and other protocols regarding complaints, the Department of Justice said in a statement Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, we have reviewed numerous reports that Trenton police officers may have used force inappropriately and conducted stops, searches, and arrests with no good reason in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights," U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said Tuesday. "Today’s announcement reflects our office’s commitment to ensuring effective, constitutional policing in Trenton and throughout New Jersey."

The investigation was welcomed by Mount Laurel attorney Gregg Zeff, who represents a former Burlington City resident who was shot and paralyzed by Trenton police in February 2022.

"I'm also frustrated that it took the paralysis of Jajuan Henderson to bring this to the attention of the federal government, but it did not wake up Trenton," Zeff said.

Henderson's lawsuit contends police officers approached his parked car shortly after midnight, smashed the driver's side window and shot him as he tried to call for help on his cellphone.

But police said Henderson, then 29, was unable to produce an ID or driver's license, and that he refused to leave the vehicle after being told he was under arrest. Police also alleged Henderson reached around the vehicle's interior, "including below seats."

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who oversees the Justice Department's civil rights division, said the investigation was not prompted by a specific incident and the department is not alleging racial discrimination.