The attorney general of New Jersey has appointed Mr. Bharara, a former U.S. attorney, to investigate a significant decrease in speeding and DUI tickets.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin recently appointed former Manhattan federal prosecutor Preet Bharara as special counsel to lead a criminal investigation into a significant decrease in traffic enforcement by State Police troopers. This investigation comes in response to an eight-month period from July 2023 to March 2024, during which traffic citations for offenses such as speeding, drunk driving, and cellphone use dropped by 61% on the state’s highways and rural roads.
The decline in traffic enforcement coincided with a rise in traffic accidents on New Jersey’s main highways, leading to a 16% increase in traffic fatalities compared to the previous year. This trend is concerning, especially when road safety improvements are being observed in other parts of the country.
The decrease in traffic stops began shortly after Attorney General Platkin released a report highlighting racial disparities in State Police traffic stops. The report revealed a pattern of discriminatory practices against minority motorists, prompting a warning from the troopers’ union president, Wayne D. Blanchard, about the risks associated with vehicle stops and the importance of safety for both troopers and motorists.
The appointment of Preet Bharara as special counsel with full investigative authority underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to uncovering the reasons behind the traffic enforcement slowdown. The investigation aims to address potential misconduct or negligence within the State Police force that may have contributed to the decrease in traffic enforcement and the subsequent rise in traffic accidents and fatalities.
By taking decisive action to investigate and address these issues, New Jersey’s attorney general is working to ensure the safety and well-being of all motorists on the state’s roadways. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and legal experts like Preet Bharara demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting accountability within the State Police force.
As the investigation progresses, it is essential for transparency and cooperation among all parties involved to facilitate a thorough and impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the traffic enforcement slowdown. By shedding light on any potential misconduct or systemic issues, the investigation can help prevent similar incidents in the future and restore public trust in the State Police’s commitment to road safety and equal treatment for all motorists.
Source: The NY Times
