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INDEPENDENT MONITOR TEAM CHOSEN TO MONITOR NEW JERSEY'S

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Justice Department and the State of New Jersey today selected Dr. James D. Ginger and Alberto Rivas, Esq. to monitor the state's compliance with a consent decree that requires the New Jersey State Police to implement new policies and procedures to prevent racially discriminatory traffic stops along New Jersey's roads.

"I am very pleased with the team that has been selected, and am confident that it will fully and fairly perform the duties required by the decree," said Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Bill Lann Lee.

On December 22, 1999, the State of New Jersey entered into a consent decree with the Justice Department to resolve the Department's investigation of allegations that New Jersey state troopers were engaging in a pattern of discriminatory traffic enforcement. In part, the decree called for the parties to select an independent monitor who will ensure that the state is implementing the terms of the decree. The consent decree also established requirements for traffic enforcement, vehicle searches, data collection, training, supervision, complaint procedures and public reporting for State Police.

Under the consent decree, Ginger and Rivas will have broad authority to review the State's compliance with the decree, and will prepare regular reports to the parties and the court.

Dr. James D. Ginger is Chief Executive Officer of Public Management Resources of San Antonio, Texas, an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the Center for Justice Policy at St. Mary's University. Dr. Ginger is also a former police officer and former police manager, and currently is serving as the independent auditor pursuant to a consent decree entered in a police misconduct lawsuit filed by the United States against the City of Pittsburgh.

Alberto Rivas, Esq. possesses considerable legal experience in law enforcement and particular expertise pertaining to investigations, including serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 1987-1996.

To select the monitor, the United States and the State published an invitation to submit proposals, received numerous written proposals, and jointly conducted candidate interviews.

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