Between 2004 and 2008, the Camden Police Department faced significant issues with officer misconduct, including planting evidence, falsifying reports, and excessive force. These actions led to over 200 criminal cases being dismissed or vacated. The department paid $3.5 million to settle lawsuits from 88 individuals who served a combined 109 years in prison due to these wrongful convictions. The typical punishments for the involved officers included guilty pleas to conspiracy to violate civil rights and subsequent prison sentences. The department’s failure to supervise and discipline its officers was highlighted in multiple court cases, indicating systemic issues within the organization.
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