Jonathan Cohen of Plosia Cohen LLC, representing Street Cop Training, criticized the ruling, arguing that the panel applied an “impossible standard” by not properly evaluating the complaint under the state’s equivalent to the federal 12(b)(6) standard, as outlined in the New Jersey Supreme Court’s 1989 decision in Printing Mart v. Sharp Electronics. Cohen indicated that the company is considering seeking certification to the New Jersey Supreme Court to challenge the appellate panel’s decision.
Comptroller’s Office Welcomes Decision
Pam Kruger, a spokesperson for the State Comptroller’s Office, praised the ruling, stating, “[The comptroller’s office] welcomes the court’s ruling affirming that any entities, including private companies, receiving public funds in New Jersey may be subject to our oversight. We remain dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.”
The dispute began in 2022 when Street Cop sued the comptroller’s office after it requested financial documents related to payments from New Jersey law enforcement agencies and details of the training provided. The lower court dismissed the suit in May 2023, asserting that the comptroller’s office acted within its statutory mandate. Additionally, a related federal lawsuit filed by Street Cop’s CEO, Dennis Benigno, was dismissed earlier this year.
Investigative Findings and Ongoing Fallout
The controversy escalated after the state comptroller issued a report in December on the Atlantic City conference, revealing that instructors at the event promoted unconstitutional policing tactics, glorified violence, and undermined police reform efforts in New Jersey.
