AG Keeps Control Of Paterson Police For Now, NJ Supreme Court Rules

PATERSON, NJ — New Jersey's top law enforcement official will not have to cede control of the Paterson Police Department back to city officials for now, the state Supreme Court ruled.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin's office took control of the department in March 2023 following the police shooting death of Najee Seabrooks, who was fatally shot by officers after barricading himself in an apartment bathroom with a knife.

Sidelined police chief Engelbert Ribeiro and Acting Public Safety Director Mirza M. Bulur filed a lawsuit against Platkin's office, claiming that Platkin violated the New Jersey constitution and the Home Rule Act by overriding local officials.

On Wednesday, the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled in their favor, saying Platkin had no authority to supersede Paterson’s police force.

The court directed Platkin to return control of the police department to city officials, and return Ribeiro to the department from a police training commission, but that is now on hold after Platkin's appeal to the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

The high court agreed to temporarily pause the lower court's decision without elaboration on Thursday, and Platkin praised the decision in a post on X.

“As our appeal proceeds, the PPD will continue to run as it has since March 2023: ensuring public safety while strengthening community trust,” he said. "Any attempt to obstruct PPD operations is unlawful."

This pause means Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi will remain in control of the department, the attorney general said.