DOJ findings prompt Trenton leaders, residents to press for reforms; mayor and police director pledge changes

Trenton elected leaders, police officials and dozens of residents addressed a Department of Justice report that found systemic problems in the Trenton Police Department, prompting calls from community groups for firmer accountability and from city officials for a resourced, supervised reform plan.

The council opened a dedicated public-comment portion for the Justice Department findings. Community leaders, organizations and residents described long‑standing concerns and urged specific remedies: removal of senior police leadership in some speakers’ views, a community-led civilian review board empowered with subpoena authority, improved complaint intake and in-person training, and greater resources for nonpolice crisis response.

Albert Clark, criminal justice co-chair of the Trenton NAACP, said the community demands “accountability and change” and urged removal of Police Director Steve Wilson, citing the director’s prior association with units identified in the report and promotions of unit members into oversight roles. Clark urged a community-led review board with subpoena power, noting the council itself holds subpoena authority in its legislative capacity.

Residents offering public comment described…