NEWARK, N.J. – Newark's police department will undergo independent monitoring after a federal investigation found what it calls "a pattern of unconstitutional policing."
The probe found problems with the department's stop-and-arrest policies, its handling of complaints from residents and its officers' use of excessive force. It also found the department violated the First Amendment rights of residents who lawfully objected to police actions.
The report also found a pattern of officers' stealing residents' property.
The Justice Department is announcing the results of its three-year investigation Tuesday.
The city of Newark cooperated with the investigation and has agreed to court-enforced monitoring. Other cities that have done so in recent years include Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Seattle.
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