Trenton NAACP Friday unveiled the first of several billboards to cultivate police reform and support residents despite a Department of Justice decision to dismiss a case against the Trenton Police Department and City of Trenton.
“We must stand united in this pivotal moment of our city’s history. These billboards are more than just signs, they’re beacons of truth, justice and a call by action,” Austin Edwards, president of NAACP Trenton. Edwards announced the initiative at 200 North Clinton Ave., just a block away from police headquarters.
Edwards said, “that even as the Trump administration rolled back hard-fought gains regarding holding city police officers accountable, the NAACP remains unwavering” in its pursuit of reform.
In November 2024, U.S. Attorney Phillip Sellinger announced an investigation of the Trenton police and City of Trenton showed a pattern of practice that violated the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws designed to protect residents. Despite an investigation and findings that supported violations had occurred, the DOJ retracted information collected in Trenton, Louisville, Minneapolis, Mount Vernon NY, Oklahoma City and the Louisiana State Police.
Edwards voiced trust in the DOJ report released under the Biden administration that revealed Trenton police made “unlawful stops, illegal searches, and employed excessive use of force,“ frequently and unnecessarily.
“These actions not only eroded public trust but cost taxpayers more than $7 million since 2021,” Edwards noted. He said the billboards connect those abused by police with an opportunity to get in touch with lawyers who can guide them through the legal process of filing lawsuits.
Edwards pressed for transparency, reform, and accountability. The NAACP leader called for decisive action by city officials, a removal of Police Director Steve Wilson, creation of a civilian led police review board, and complete overhaul of Internal Affairs to assure impartiality and justice.
“The time for complacency has passed. More police training will not solve the problem either,” Edwards assured.
“We hope these billboards can spark a catalyst for change, that they ignite a movement toward a more just and equitable Trenton.”
Billboards will be placed citywide so all Trentonians can more easily access the legal help they need.Trenton NAACP can be reached at 609-392-6772, NAACPTrenton@gmail.com, Facebook.com/TrentonNAACP, or TrentonBranchNAACP.org
