New Jersey Supreme Court temporarily leaves attorney general in charge of Paterson police
The Supreme Court of New Jersey's temporary pause means Attorney General Matt Platkin's officer in charge will remain in control of the department
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New Jersey's top court on Thursday agreed to temporarily pause a lower court decision that determined the attorney general overstepped his authority when he took control of the Paterson Police Department.
The Supreme Court of New Jersey's temporary pause means Attorney General Matt Platkin's officer in charge will remain in control of the department, the attorney general said. The high court issued the stay without elaboration, and Attorney General Matt Platkin praised the decision in a post on X.
“The NJ Supreme Court has swiftly stayed this incorrect decision. As our appeal proceeds, the PPD will continue to run as it has since March 2023: ensuring public safety while strengthening community trust. Any attempt to obstruct PPD operations is unlawful,” Platkin wrote.
RELATED: Judge reverses state's takeover of Paterson Police Department following lawsuit
A state appellate court ruled that Paterson should regain control of its own police department. The three-judge panel ruled that the state attorney general was not legally allowed to take over the department in March 2023
But Platkin filed an appeal and stay of that order.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh called the appeal a “delay tactic.”
“[The attorney general] has won nothing. What it is customary for the Supreme Court to temporarily stay such a momentous decision while it undertakes a review, the unanimous and well-reasoned Appellate Court decision by three well-regarded judges is crystal clear that Matt Platkin’s takeover is illegal.”
The 2023 takeover was prompted by a controversial police shooting of Najee Seabrooks while the man was suffering from a mental health crisis. Many within the community protested the police department’s use of force.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.
