The Homicide Unit responds to and investigates all homicides and suspicious deaths within Passaic County. This unit also investigates incidents of deadly force used by law enforcement officers, such as police shootings or individuals who die in police custody. The Homicide Unit also may conduct investigations which require special attention due to the significance or sensitivity of the matter being investigated.

The Homicide Unit provides investigative assistance and legal advice for issues arising during the course of such investigations. At the investigative level, the Unit coordinates the efforts of agencies such as local police departments, state and federal authorities, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department Identification Bureau, New Jersey State Police Forensic Laboratory personnel, and the State Medical Examiner’s Office, all towards the goal of collecting evidence for arrest and prosecution. The Homicide Unit’s members are on call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

The attorneys assigned to the Homicide Unit are responsible for the presentation of cases before the Grand Jury, representing the State at bail hearings and other preliminary hearings and motions, preparation and distribution of discovery material, and plea formulations and negotiations. The legal staff also represents the State at selected trials of homicide cases. Other cases are turned over to the Trial Section for prosecution.

The members of the Homicide Unit work closely with the Office of Victim Witness Advocacy to provide for the special needs of survivors of homicide victims, including keeping the victim’s family informed at all stages of the criminal justice process.