The New Jersey Supreme Court has agreed to hear a major case about the state’s power over local police departments. This case comes after Attorney General Matt Platkin took control of the Paterson Police Department in 2023, a decision that was later challenged in court.
A lower court ruled that the Attorney General overstepped his authority, but Platkin has appealed the decision. Until the Supreme Court makes its final ruling, the state will continue overseeing the Paterson police.
Background: Why Did the State Take Over Paterson Police?
In March 2023, Attorney General Platkin took over the Paterson Police Department following a controversial police shooting. Officers shot and killed Najee Seabrooks, a 31-year-old resident, while he was experiencing a mental health crisis. His death led to widespread protests, with community members demanding police reforms and more accountability.
Platkin called the takeover necessary due to a “crisis of confidence” in the local police force. The department had faced multiple allegations of excessive force, corruption, and mishandling of mental health crisis situations. The state placed the department under the control of Isa Abbassi, a former NYPD official, who was tasked with improving trust between the police and the community.
Legal Battle Over the Takeover
Not everyone agreed with the state’s decision to take control of the police department. Paterson city officials, including Mayor Andre Sayegh, challenged the move in court, arguing that it violated local government rights.
In December 2024, the New Jersey Appellate Court ruled that the Attorney General did not have the legal authority to seize control of the department. The court ordered that control be returned to local officials, including Police Chief Engelbert Ribeiro, who had been removed when the takeover happened.
However, Platkin disagreed with this ruling and appealed the decision to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has now decided to hear the case, meaning the final decision on whether the state can take over a local police department is yet to be made.
Paterson Officials Respond to the Supreme Court Review
Mayor Andre Sayegh has been outspoken against the takeover, arguing that it set a dangerous precedent. He believes the city should have the right to govern its own police force without state interference.
“We continue to seek restoration of our rights that have been deprived by the Attorney General. We won in State Appellate Court, and we are confident that we will win in court again,” Sayegh said in a statement.
However, Attorney General Platkin stands firm, saying that the state’s intervention was necessary to bring reform and accountability to Paterson’s police force. He has stated that “any attempt to interfere or obstruct the outstanding work being done under our oversight will not be tolerated.”
Community Reactions: Divided Opinions
Paterson residents have mixed feelings about the case. Some believe the state’s intervention was necessary, especially after the police shooting of Najee Seabrooks. They argue that the local police department had failed to address community concerns and that an outside authority was needed to make real changes.
Others, however, support local control and say that the state should not have the power to override city leadership. Some city officials worry that if the Supreme Court allows the takeover to continue, the state could start interfering in other local police departments as well.
What’s Next?
Since the New Jersey Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, the legal battle is far from over. The court’s decision could have long-term effects on how much power state governments have over local police departments.
For now, the Attorney General’s office will remain in control of the Paterson Police Department. The city and state will continue their legal fight, and residents will have to wait for the Supreme Court’s final ruling.
The case raises important questions about police oversight, government power, and how best to ensure public safety while maintaining local control. As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by both law enforcement officials and community activists across New Jersey.
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