N.J. ACLU sues Camden police for allegedly planting drugs on city residents

debra-jacobs-aclu-head.JPGDeborah Jacobs, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey.

CAMDEN — The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Camden's police department on behalf of a resident who said corrupt police officers planted drugs on him.

The suit is the latest step in a wide-ranging police scandal in which charges or convictions have been vacated in almost 200 cases. Two Camden police officers have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with planting evidence on innocent people.

Edward Barocas, legal director of the ACLU of New Jersey, called it "one of the most serious forms of police misconduct."

"Police who engage in such behavior must be held accountable," he said.

The ACLU’s lawsuit is on behalf of Joel Barnes, who was arrested and charged with drug offenses in 2008 after police allegedly planted evidence on him. He pleaded guilty to one charge because he feared a jury would not believe him, the ACLU said.

Barnes was imprisoned in April 2009 but released in June of this year after the Camden County prosecutor began vacating convictions.

"The plight of Mr. Barnes highlights the urgent need for far-reaching and systemic reforms in the Camden Police Department," said Jay Rorty, who directs the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project. "Had there been proper supervision, Camden’s police officers would not have been able to plant drugs on Camden residents in the first place."

The police department did not respond to a request for comment.

The ACLU has been putting more resources into police-related cases. Last week it petitioned for a federal investigation of the Newark Police Department.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related coverage:

Former Camden police officer admits planting evidence, preparing false reports

Civil liberties group ACLU marks 50 years of fighting for rights in New Jersey

ACLU accuses Newark police of false arrests, excessive force

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