The law firm representing the family of Jerame C. Reid is calling for an internal affairs investigation, questioning whether there is a pattern of officers abusing their power within the Bridgeton Police Department. Watch video
Pictured is Jerame C. Reid, 36, of Bridgeton - the man who was fatally shot by Bridgeton police officers Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the intersection of Henry Street and South Avenue, following a motor vehicle stop. (Submitted Photo) BRIDGETON -- The law firm representing the family of Jerame C. Reid is calling for an internal affairs investigation, questioning whether there is a pattern of officers abusing their power within the Bridgeton Police Department.
Laurel Lake-based attorney Conrad Benedetto recently sent a letter to the police department requesting a review of the past conduct of the two officers involved in Reid's death, Braheme Days and Roger Worley. Days and Worley shot and killed Reid after a traffic stop on Dec. 30.
The letter from Benedetto also seeks a review of "any past interactions" Bridgeton police officers had with Reid before his death and to justify the conduct during the "multiple interactions and stops" involving Reid.
"The internal affairs histories of officers Days and Worley and other officers that interacted with Mr. Reid should be reviewed in your investigation to assess whether a pattern of abuse exists," the letter said.
After a lengthy investigation, a grand jury late last month voted not to file charges against the two officers.
RELATED: Bridgeton cops won't be charged in fatal shooting, grand jury decides
After reviewing records from the Bridgeton Police Department from 2000 to 2014, the law firm claims there were 174 complaints of excessive force, but that only six were validated.
According to the law firm's analysis, in 2013, Worley ranked fifth agency-wide for force incidents and Days ranked sixth. Worley ranked third in 2014.
"We ask that you conduct a pattern and practices investigation of your agency to determine whether there are officers who abused force options and violated the rights of (people) subjected to force by Bridgeton officers," the letter said.
The law firm also claimed that some internal affairs reports were incorrect and that "pending cases, including excessive force complaints, were not properly accounted for."
Benedetto alleges that the internal affairs unit was also using a skewed recording system for investigations.
"Because internal affairs was using skewed numbers in recording investigations your review should (examine) whether the agency had or currently has an adequate early warning system to detect, investigate and prevent police misconduct," the letter said.
In addition, the law firm reviewed reports for more than 200 use of force incidents from 2013 to 2014. At least 34 police officers filed reports in each year, according to the law firm.
Days and Worley, the law firm said, filed use of force reports that were "higher than the average number of reports filed by fellow officers."
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.