The U.S. Department of Justice is actively investigating the American Civil Liberties Union’s call for federal oversight of the Newark Police Department, talking with law enforcement and civic leaders and seeking details of police abuse allegations.

A city councilman, three civil rights leaders, the presidents of Newark’s police unions and a defense attorney who often represents officers accused of misconduct all said they have been approached by federal officials since October.

The probe has focused largely on excessive force complaints and the department’s internal affairs bureau, according to those involved. They said investigators also asked to speak with victims of alleged abuse and requested union documents.

Last month, investigators told Newark’s Fraternal Order of Police they might begin interviewing officers, said Derrick Hatcher, the union president. A federal attorney described the agency’s actions as a "preliminary investigation," Hatcher said.

The Department of Justice has not made any announcements and declined to comment on the probe. But the string of interviews and meetings suggest federal officials are considering the ACLU’s push for oversight of the 1,098-member police department, the state’s largest.