Public Forum In Newark On Policing Will Discuss Federal Consent Decree

NEWARK, NJ -- Want to know the latest updates about the City of Newark's landmark federal consent decree involving its police department? Check off Wednesday, Feb. 21 on your calendar.

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) and Bethany Baptist Church will host a public forum with Newark Police Division independent monitor Peter Harvey and Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé to discuss updates on the Newark Police Department's compliance with the milestone 2016 consent decree.

The forum will take place at 6 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 West Market Street.

According to a news release from the NJISJ:

"On March 30, 2016, the City of Newark, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office signed a consent decree requiring Newark and the NPD to improve the quality of policing through training, increased community engagement and oversight and the development of new policies and procedures concerning theft, stops, search and arrests, use of force, investigation of misconduct, officer discipline and the use of in-car and body-worn cameras. Peter Harvey was jointly selected to lead the team of attorneys and experts that monitor Newark’s compliance with the agreement. Twice a year, the Independent Monitoring Team publishes a report that summarizes its activities, provides progress updates, addresses upcoming tasks and audits and makes recommendations to the city and the NPD."

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