Judge overturns Paterson police state takeover

A judge ruled in favor of the city of Paterson, reversing the state’s takeover of the police department.

The seizure was launched after the release of police body camera footage showing the death of Naji C. Brooks, a local activist who was shot and killed by police in March 2023 during a mental breakdown.

Paterson police sued the attorney general’s office last October, alleging the office overstepped its authority.

Attorney General Matt Platkin plans to appeal the court’s decision, saying the state believes its actions are justified.

In a statement, Platkin said, “Supersession has allowed both attorneys general and district attorneys to direct law enforcement when the circumstances warrant — as they did in Paterson, when our office stepped in after a fundamental breakdown in community trust.”

Mayor Andre Sayegh called the court’s decision a victory, saying, “This ruling affirms our city’s authority to run its own police department and sets a precedent for all New Jersey municipalities that the responsibility for the police department rests with local officials elected by the people.”