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Clark Mayor Denies Racial Discrimination Claims in Police Department Lawsuit

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ination-claims-in-police-department-lawsuit.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 12:00 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Clark, NJ - January 16, 2026 - Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso has launched a forceful counter-attack against the New Jersey Attorney General's (AG) office following a lawsuit alleging pervasive racial discrimination within the Clark Police Department. The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, has ignited a public dispute, with the township asserting the AG's actions are politically motivated and based on inaccurate data.

The Attorney General's office initiated the lawsuit alleging a sustained pattern of discriminatory policing practices targeting Black and Brown residents within the Clark community. The legal document details concerning instances where residents of color were disproportionately subjected to police stops, searches, and arrests. These actions, the lawsuit claims, indicate a systemic problem within the department.

Mayor Bonaccorso's response, released Friday, paints a dramatically different picture. He accuses the AG's office of prioritizing political gain over legal accuracy. "The Attorney General's lawsuit appears to be more about politics than about the law," Bonaccorso stated. He went on to claim the legal action is predicated on "flawed data and a biased investigation" which conveniently overlooks the positive contributions and community safety initiatives undertaken by the Clark Police Department.

Central to the lawsuit's allegations is the claim that the Clark Police Department engaged in improper quota systems and implemented discriminatory hiring practices. These accusations are particularly damaging, suggesting a deliberate effort to maintain a homogenous police force and enforce laws unfairly. Bonaccorso's office vehemently denies these charges, emphasizing the township's commitment to equitable treatment and fairness for all residents.

"Clark is a diverse community and we value the contributions of every resident," Bonaccorso asserted. He highlighted recent efforts undertaken by the township to actively foster diversity and inclusion, both within the police department and across the broader community. The statement suggests these efforts are being ignored or misrepresented by the AG's office.

This lawsuit represents the latest escalation in a protracted and ongoing conflict between the township and the AG's office regarding policing protocols. For years, the Clark Police Department has been under intense public scrutiny and facing allegations of racial profiling and excessive force. Previous attempts at reform and dialogue seem to have failed, ultimately leading to the legal action from the state.

Looking Ahead: Potential Ramifications and Further Investigation

The lawsuit's impact extends beyond the immediate legal battle. It threatens to damage the reputation of the Clark Police Department and erode public trust. The township faces potential financial penalties, mandatory policy changes, and increased oversight from the state. Furthermore, the case is likely to reignite discussions about police reform and accountability at both the local and state levels.

The details of the "flawed data" and "biased investigation" that Bonaccorso refers to remain to be seen. Further transparency from both the township and the AG's office will be crucial in fostering a more informed public understanding of the issues at hand. Independent analysis of the data and investigation methods could prove vital in determining the validity of both sides' claims. Community activists and civil rights groups are expected to closely monitor the proceedings and advocate for meaningful change within the Clark Police Department.

The case underscores the challenges facing municipalities across New Jersey, and indeed the nation, in addressing systemic issues of racial bias within law enforcement. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely serve as a precedent for future legal challenges and influence the ongoing debate surrounding police accountability and community relations.