The New Jersey Appellate Division indicated that Platkin’s actions in March 2023 were unauthorized and directed that he relinquish control of the department back to municipal leaders while reinstating Police Chief Engelbert Ribeiro from his position with a police training commission. The court raised the pivotal question: “Does the AG have the authority to directly supersede all operations of a municipal police department without the consent of the municipality?” Their conclusion was clear — the answer was no.

Although the ruling has been temporarily suspended due to pending appeals, Attorney General Platkin expressed his discontent with the court’s decision, stating his commitment to appeal to the state’s Supreme Court. He articulated pride in the advancements made by the Paterson Police Department and reiterated a commitment to ensuring the safety of city residents.

This case sheds light on broader issues of policing, particularly the challenges faced by Platkin, a Democrat, in addressing police accountability. The court’s ruling coincides with heightened scrutiny from the Biden administration on police departments, including specific concerns about Trenton’s police force, which has been identified as having systemic misconduct issues.

Paterson’s Mayor, Andre Sayegh, also a Democrat, criticized Platkin’s intervention and was part of the successful lawsuit. He hailed the ruling as a triumph for democratic principles, asserting that Platkin’s actions were both unlawful and an attempt to undermine the voice of Paterson’s electorate.

The events leading to the takeover were framed as a “crisis of confidence” in the local police department, attributed to a string of troubling incidents. The situation escalated shortly after Seabrooks’ death; however, Platkin maintained that no single event precipitated the takeover.

Seabrooks, described as a crisis intervention worker with the Paterson Healing Collective, had made multiple 911 calls citing threats to his safety before police arrived at his brother’s apartment. Despite attempts by officers to communicate and de-escalate the situation, tensions mounted. Seabrooks ultimately emerged from the bathroom armed with a knife and was fatally shot by police.

Following the takeover, Platkin appointed Isa Abbassi, a seasoned officer with 25 years at the New York Police Department, to oversee operations. His office reported a decrease in crime rates in Paterson since his intervention.

However, not all community members perceived the takeover positively. Some activists, including the ACLU, praised the intervention as a necessary corrective due to the Paterson department’s longstanding issues with excessive force. They warned that the court’s decision could undermine critical accountability measures within the state’s policing framework.

Support for Platkin’s intention to appeal surfaced from local leaders, including Democratic Assemblymember Benjie Wimberly, who expressed concern over the implications of the ruling following extensive efforts aimed at reforming the police force.

With a population nearing 160,000, Paterson’s demographic landscape has significantly changed over the decades. Once predominantly white, the city now comprises nearly 24% Black residents and just over 60% Hispanic residents. This demographic shift has led to complex dynamics between the community and local law enforcement, particularly in light of the historical tensions observed since the mid-20th century.

The city faced notable civil unrest in the 1960s, reflecting a fraught relationship with police—one that was dramatically illuminated through figures like Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of murder in a case marred by racial bias.

In recent years, police in Paterson have been involved in several fatal shootings, prompting ongoing discussions regarding accountability and oversight. While the recent court ruling allows for the AG’s control over internal affairs—responsible for investigating department-related issues—the broader implications of effective policing reform continue to resonate deeply within the community.