New Jersey law enforcement officials are known for being aggressive in their pursuit of drug offenses. However, in at least one city it appears that several police officers have been willing to even use illegal tactics to make an arrest and gain a conviction.

More than 100 people who have been accused and convicted of dealing drugs in Camden, New Jersey, have complained that those convictions were based on fabricated and tainted evidence gathered by corrupt police.

In fact, four former New Jersey police officers were convicted of:

  1. planting evidence
  2. stealing cash
  3. conducting illegal searches
  4. fabricating reports leading to arrests and convictions

The victims of the scandal have brought to light a serious problem in New Jersey, that sometimes New Jersey police officers have been willing to plant evidence in order to falsely charge an innocent victim. This is an obvious violation of these people's rights.

Why would police do this? Perhaps it is simply because they can. With their badge, they have power to go after whomever they suspect is breaking the law, and not necessarily true criminals. Sometimes, this may because the police have made a mistake, or it may also have occurred when the police do not find what they are looking for.

Since the truth about these police officers has come to light more than 200 criminal cases have been dismissed or vacated. Unfortunately, many victims of such corruption may still be in jail or awaiting prosecution based on false charges and fabricated evidence.

If you are facing drug charges in New Jersey, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can work to protect your rights. This is because proving that evidence has been planted or is otherwise tainted is not an easy endeavor.

Source: The Inquirer, "Camden rogue police cost New Jersey, $340,000 in damages," George Anastasia, April 2, 2012