The Trenton branch of the NAACP wants Trenton police director Steve Wilson fired. They say it was under his watch that officers were found to be using excessive force and conducting unlawful searches and arrests.

Those practices were documented in a report from the United States Justice Department. That report looked at hundreds of reports and body cam videos between 2018 and 2023.

The NAACP says training alone won’t repair the Trenton Police Department. They’re calling for not only Wilson’s removal but also for the City Council to put in place a legitimate Civilian Review Board.

“We’re calling for Trenton’s own Community Review Board. One specifically by members of the community,” says NAACP Trenton President Austin Edwards. “We know the police are not following the rules. We know they routinely ignore body camera rules.”

The organization also wants a federal monitor installed, not just training and data collection as the U.S. Attorney’s Office suggests.

Within that report from the Justice Department, Trenton police were documented turning off body cameras, using paper spray when there was no threat and punching people unnecessarily.

One of the officers cited in the Justice Department report is Officer Nick Piotrowski. He is charged with official misconduct for allegedly pepper spraying Joseph Ahr during an arrest while the man was already handcuffed on the ground.

Piotrowski’s attorney has revealed that he’s turned down a plea offer from the state which included no jail time. Instead, Piotrowski will go to trial and take his chances with a jury.

As part of that plea deal, the officer would’ve admitted to simple assault.

The NAACP is now waiting to see if the mayor and Council will respond to their requests.

The Trenton Police Department has not commented on the Justice Department investigation.