New Jersey Division on Civil Rights

Overview

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is the state agency charged with enforcing New Jersey’s civil rights laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the New Jersey Family Leave Act. Operating under the Department of Law and Public Safety, the division investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. The Trenton regional office, located at 140 East Front Street, serves as a central hub for residents of Mercer and surrounding counties seeking justice and equal treatment under the law.

Investigation and Enforcement

The DCR provides a neutral forum for resolving disputes. When a complaint is filed, the division conducts an impartial investigation to determine if there is probable cause to believe discrimination occurred.

Intake and Filing: Residents can file formal complaints regarding discrimination based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.
Mediation: The division offers alternative dispute resolution services to help parties reach voluntary settlements without prolonged legal proceedings.
Prosecution: If probable cause is found and conciliation fails, the division prosecutes the case before the Office of Administrative Law.
Bias Incident Response: Collaborating with law enforcement to address and prevent bias incidents and hate crimes in communities.

Education and Outreach

Beyond enforcement, the DCR is committed to preventing discrimination through education. The division conducts training sessions for employers, housing providers, and community groups to ensure understanding of compliance obligations and individual rights. It also issues guidance documents on emerging civil rights issues.

Visiting the Office

The Trenton office is situated in a state government building. Visitors must undergo security screening and present valid photo identification upon entry. While the DCR encourages the use of its online NJ Bias Investigation Access System (NJBIAS) for filing complaints, staff are available to assist individuals who require in-person accommodations.

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Category: Government Agencies Trenton and State Agencies Trenton

Address: 140 East Front Street
Trenton
New Jersey
08608
United States

Map Directions

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 090, Trenton, NJ 08625-0090

Phone: (609) 292-4605

Website

Year Founded: 1945

Mon:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat:

Closed

Sun:

Closed

Appointment & Visit Policy:

Walk-ins Welcome (Clerk Office / Counters)
Appointments Encouraged (Walk-ins limited)
E-Filing / Online Processing Available
Certified Interpreters Available
Interpreter Must Be Requested in Advance

Payment Methods:

Fee Waiver (In Forma Pauperis) accepted

Court Case Types:

Discrimination Complaints, Housing Discrimination, Employment Discrimination, Public Accommodation Violations, Family Leave Act Violations

Parking, Transit & Accessibility:

Paid Parking Garage / Structure
Metered Street Parking (Coins/App)
Near Bus Route / Stop
Near Subway / Metro / Train Station
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Elevators Available
ADA Compliant Restrooms

Security, Dress Code & Prohibited Items:

Airport-Style Screening (Metal Detectors)
Valid Photo ID Required for Entry
No Weapons (Firearms, Knives, Ammo)
Business / Professional Attire Required

Department Services & Divisions:

Enforcement Unit, Legal Unit, Proactive Enforcement Unit, Community Relations Unit

Permits, Licenses & Records:

Verified Complaints, Findings of Probable Cause, Conciliation Agreements

Public Transit / Bus Lines:

Stop: E Front St at N Broad St (Routes: 600, 601, 606, 608, 609, 613, 619), Stop: S Broad St at E Front St (Routes: 409, 418, 600, 601, 606, 608, 609, 613, 619)

Jurisdiction Level: