Murphy administration blames increased traffic deaths on reduced state police enforcement — New Jersey State Police

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has announced a formal investigation into an alleged slowdown in State Police traffic enforcement from July 2023 to March 2024, raising concerns about its potential impact on public safety, including increased roadway crashes and fatalities.

In a statement released Wednesday, Platkin described the allegations as a serious breach of public trust, potentially undermining the reputation of the State Police.

“I am deeply disappointed that this well-deserved reputation for serving the public good has been tainted,” Platkin said, adding that he has ordered a “full investigation” to determine how the slowdown was coordinated and to ensure accountability.

To lead the inquiry, Platkin appointed Preet Bharara, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as Special Counsel. Bharara, now a partner at WilmerHale, will oversee the investigation with full authority from the Attorney General’s office. Platkin expressed confidence in Bharara’s ability to “pursue any lead, without fear or favor,” while reserving final decision-making authority over the matter.

The investigation comes as New Jersey grapples with heightened roadway safety concerns, with the alleged slowdown potentially coinciding with an uptick in traffic incidents. Despite this, Platkin highlighted ongoing collaboration with the State Police and other agencies to maintain progress on critical public safety initiatives, including record-low levels of gun violence, reductions in auto theft, and heightened efforts to combat human and drug trafficking.

Bharara, in a separate statement, affirmed his commitment to conducting a thorough and independent investigation, saying he would ensure “accountability and fairness” as the probe unfolds.

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