This investigative series published by the Asbury Park Press ultimately uncovered $60 million in taxpayer funds spent to hush allegations of police misconduct, including more than $49 million for claims of 156 injuries and 24 deaths. The series features an exclusive interview with a killer cop, detailing the many indications of trouble before the officer fatally shot his ex-wife.
The series prompted sweeping changes, including random drug testing for all police officers, a police “early warning system” requiring departments to send officers for review by county prosecutor’s offices, and legislative pressure for action including a draft bill to require an officer’s history to follow them between jobs.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal credited the series with shining a light on “issues that the public should be aware of.”
Protecting the shield
Seven parts of the series highlight gaps in New Jersey’s standards for police accountability, which include lacking guidelines for random drug testing and a widespread practice of allowing officers facing discipline to quietly resign through agreements in which their history is hidden from future employers.
Philip Seidle, killer cop: ex-wife ‘did not become a victim until I killed her’
Many people knew of trouble in the home of former Neptune Police Sgt. Philip Seidle before he fatally shot his ex-wife.
Lawmakers promise changes to dump bad cops after APP investigation
State legislators committed to addressing issues raised by the Asbury Park Press.
NJ police brutality: State targets bad cops after Press investigation
Two sweeping changes made by the state attorney general after reporting by the Asbury Park Press.
Hidden Misconduct: Your next NJ traffic stop could leave you face-to-face with a troubled cop
New Jersey can’t ban bad cops, leaving members of the public at risk of being arrested by a troubled officer – and never knowing about it. The Asbury Park Press and USA Today Network – New Jersey uncovered more gaps in the state’s system for police accountability.