Trenton, N.J. – New Jersey’s Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, is updating the state’s use-of-force policy after two fatal police shootings involving people in mental health crises.
This new policy, the first of its kind in the state, requires all New Jersey police departments to work with mental health professionals when responding to situations involving barricaded individuals. These cases often involve people in emotional crises and are more likely to result in injuries.
Police departments will also be required to train their tactical teams in crisis negotiation and equip them with non-lethal tools like tasers and shields. Additionally, the state will expand its Arrive Together program, which pairs police with mental health professionals, to all departments for these types of calls.
Platkin said these changes are expected to take effect by October.
Policy Change Follows Deadly Shootings
In 2023, Jersey City Police officers shot and killed Andrew Washington, and in July, Fort Lee Police shot and killed Victoria Lee. Both had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and their families informed 911 that they were in the middle of a mental health crisis.
Neither police department was part of the Arrive Together program before these incidents.
When asked if these deaths could have been prevented if the program had been in place, Platkin declined to comment specifically but emphasized that a more informed approach could save lives and create safer outcomes for both individuals in crisis and responding officers.
Washington’s family has since filed a lawsuit against the Jersey City Police Department. Meanwhile, Victoria Lee’s family is calling for accountability for her death.