Civilian To Take Over Newark Police Internal Affairs Division

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Monday that the city will bring in an attorney to run its police internal affairs unit.

The Newark Police Department Internal Affairs Division is traditionally presided over by a sworn officer, but will now be run by a civilian. The move was the city's latest step in reorganizing its public safety agencies.

"Law enforcement is most effective when trust exists between the police and the communities they serve. When trust exists, citizens share information with the police about gangs and gang members, drug dealers, and other criminals. Witnesses to crimes have the confidence to come forward and reveal what they saw. You rarely have killings in broad daylight where no witness can be found," Mayor Baraka said in a news release.

Baraka said the U.S. Department of Justice had recommended a federal monitor for the department because it was "doing a poor job of policing itself and citizens had little confidence that complaints about police misconduct would be treated seriously.

"Since becoming mayor, I have worked to restore trust between the police and the community," Baraka said in the release.

Baraka said the post could be filled as early as this week.

Police Chief Anthony Campos told NJ.com that while the attorney's duties would be primarily in-house, their presence in the department had the potential to aid officers' efforts on the street.

Meanwhile, Baraka also announced that Newark police Lt. Darnell Henry will become the new chief. Campos will be retiring, though a specific departure date has not been set.

Henry is a 22-year veteran of the department and has been a patrol officer and a supervisor. He now serves as commander of the Executive Protection Unit.

Campos has been with the Newark Police Department for 30 years.

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