Trenton Police Department has violated the constitutional rights of citizens. The Justice Department announced findings Thursday that an extensive investigation showed a pattern and practice that violates the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws designed to protect residents. “For too long, the residents of Trenton have felt afraid of the police, rather than protected by them,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “The use of excessive force and unconstitutional stops, searches and arrests, sometimes with tragic consequences, have eroded public trust and undermined public safety. Today’s findings are the first step in achieving the reforms needed to rebuild public trust, so that the Trenton Police Department can effectively fight crime and keep residents safe, while respecting the constitutional rights of each and every person.” The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office began the investigation in October of 2023 into the reports from citizens of Trenton of excessive force and racial profiling. This is a developing story.