Comptroller: State troopers gave preferential treatment to drivers who had ‘courtesy cards’
Officials say the preferential treatment even extended to drivers suspected of dangerous offenses like drunk driving.
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Knowing a police officer can result in a free pass from the New Jersey State Police, according to a new report from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller.
An investigation into more than 500 traffic stops found that state troopers routinely gave preferential treatment to certain drivers who presented a “courtesy card” or spoke about a personal connection to law enforcement – even when those drivers were suspected of dangerous offenses like drunk driving.
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"There is a public safety risk here, obviously. In the year these stops took place, the traffic fatalities were among the highest in New Jersey over the last 15 years,” said Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh.
The office says that state police declined to participate in the investigation.
News 12 New Jersey reached out to police for comment but did not hear back.
