New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability
OPIA
Summary
OPIA was created within the Office of the Attorney General in September 2018 (formalized by AG Directive 2019-8). Under AG Directive 2019-4, OPIA independently investigates all fatal law enforcement encounters in New Jersey and presents findings to the State grand jury; it may appoint itself as the Independent Investigator for any use-of-force case. OPIA prosecutors can issue grand jury subpoenas and compel testimony. The office also handles sensitive internal-affairs referrals, public corruption prosecutions, and wrongful-conviction reviews. Its findings can result in criminal charges — effectively binding discipline — rather than mere recommendations.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- AG Directive 2019-8 (establishing OPIA); AG Directive 2019-4 (Independent Prosecutor Directive)
- Citation
- AG Directive 2019-8; AG Directive 2019-4
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Law enforcement officers statewide; public corruption; use-of-force and in-custody deaths