Trenton Police Department promises reforms amid DOJ misconduct investigation

Several new reforms for the Trenton Police Department (TPD) were recently announced by Police Director Steve Wilson and Mayor Reed Gusciora at a press conference after a critical report by the U.S. Department of Justice found police misconduct violating the Fourth Amendment.

Starting with opening remarks from Mayor Gusciora, he recognized the need for community-based policing, third-party accreditation for officers to meet police standards, and increased training and supervision.

“I am excited to announce that the City will be implementing a program called “City-Stat” beginning in April. This public safety initiative provides a live, in-person, monthly forum for citizens to directly voice their concerns and issues to the appropriate department directors and a channel to follow up on any needed response.  More details on this initiative will be provided in the coming weeks.”

Director Wilson introduced a public safety initiative named “City-Stat,” which instituted more than 20 initiatives in response to DOJ findings. Included in them is the ARRIVE Together program, or “Alternative Responses To Reduce Instances Of Violence And Escalation,” which includes providing mental health specialists and resources to improve community relations with law enforcement and has been in effect since August 2024.

Additionally, the Trenton Community Street Teams (TCST) was established in May 2022, led by Perry Shaw, a former NJ Corrections officer and Executive Director of Building a Better Way For Trenton (BABWFT) to mentor the city’s youth and reduce violence, TCST focuses on conflict mediation and grassroots interventions.

Among the reforms were the addition of 30 new police officers, an increase in police salaries to compete with surrounding departments, and continuing focus on mandatory DOJ and sensitivity training. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey opened their investigation into the City of Trenton and the Trenton Police Department in October 2023, and concluded that the TPD:

• uses excessive force, including using unreasonable forms of physical force and pepper spray.
• unlawfully stops, searches, and arrests people during pedestrian and traffic stops.
• identified deficiencies in training, supervision, policy, and accountability that contribute to TPD and the city’s unlawful conduct

The report mainly concerns TPD’s proactive enforcement units, the Violent Crimes Unit and Street Crimes Unit. These officers have the power to stop, cite and arrest whoever they choose.

While the DOJ reports that the TPD disbanded both the Violent Crimes Unit and the Street Crimes Unit after their investigation, Director Wilson stated that both units were disbanded before the DOJ report was issued, and officers were reallocated to other units.

As the TPD and Mayor’s office offer solutions to ensure effective policing, civilians are not convinced that these solutions are what is needed in the community. 

Community Pushback & Civilian Oversight

Despite the announced reforms, many residents and activists remain skeptical. Councilwoman Jasi Edwards is leading efforts to establish a Civilian Complaint Review Board to provide independent oversight of police conduct. Advocates argue this would increase transparency and accountability, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.

Mayor Gusciora, however, believes training and accreditation should take priority. He noted that while City Council has subpoena power, civilian review boards typically lack the legal authority to enforce changes.

Still, activists like Reverend Charles F. Boyer, Executive Director of Salvation and Social Justice, insist that real accountability requires more than policy changes. “Power concedes nothing without demands. If we are serious about justice, we must demand real accountability—not empty rhetoric. We need a Civilian Complaint Review Board, community-led crisis response teams, and statewide police oversight,” said Boyer.