A recent report from the state comptroller has exposed a police training seminar in New Jersey that included instructors making lewd comments about women, encouraging officers to pull people over for no reason, and engaging in racial discrimination. The six-day seminar, conducted by a New Jersey-based law enforcement training company called Street Cop, was attended by approximately 1,000 officers from around the country, including 240 from New Jersey. The event was primarily funded by taxpayers.
The report highlights disturbing incidents during the seminar, including instructors making over 100 discriminatory comments. Videos from the event show trainers discussing their genitalia and making derogatory remarks about women. In one instance, a trainer discussed going on vacation surrounded by women who needed to do things to make money. Another advised women to flirt with their partners, suggesting that there are “whores” who would do so if they didn’t. Additionally, a trainer discussed pulling over a 75-year-old Black man and showed a photograph of an ape.
The report has raised concerns about the potentially unconstitutional nature of the training. The New Jersey Attorney General is reviewing the findings and has expressed worry about the training’s legality. This revelation comes at a time when law enforcement is facing increased scrutiny following high-profile cases of civilian deaths while in police custody, such as Tyre Nichols and George Floyd.
The report also highlights the state’s efforts over the past decade to reform police conduct and build trust within communities. The state attorney general has implemented directives for training on cultural awareness, diversity, de-escalation, communication skills, and professionalism. However, the findings of the report suggest that these initiatives have been undermined by the inappropriate and discriminatory training provided by Street Cop.
In response to the report, the comptroller’s office has made several recommendations. It calls on the Legislature to establish a licensing requirement for private police training programs and urges the attorney general to oversee the retraining of officials who attended the seminar. The report also encourages law enforcement agencies to seek a refund for the training. Street Cop founder and CEO Dennis Benigno defended his company, stating that the report’s isolated excerpts do not reflect the overall quality of their education.
The comptroller’s office discovered that Street Cop training was utilized by at least 46 states, including New Jersey. The training was attended by various law enforcement agencies, including the state police and 77 municipal agencies. Over $75,000 in public funds was spent on the seminar, not accounting for paid time off or training days.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has deemed the training deeply troubling, potentially unconstitutional, and unacceptable. He has referred the report to the Division on Civil Rights for further action. The comptroller’s report has shed light on the need for stricter oversight of private police training programs and emphasizes the importance of fair, just, and safe policing practices.
