Law Enforcement

When you want to file a complaint against the police, you unfortunately have to call the police. But the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) cautions that police departments across New Jersey may be giving complaining citizens incorrect information, potentially resulting in complaints never being addressed at all. [Read more…] about NJ Police Don’t Take Complaints Seriously

Earl Morgan, a columnist for the Jersey Journal called police to task in a recent piece—saying that they need to stop assuming “everyone in the inner city is a perp.” This assumption, he says (and many would agree), is rampant not only in Jersey City–  where allegations of brutality against a teen have been in recent news– but throughout the state. [Read more…] about Police Peg All Inner-City Folks as “Perps”

A 19-year old man alleges Jersey City cops used excessive force with him, and the NAACP is joining forces to ensure his story is heard. At a NAACP meeting, Jarrett Blair shared his story with organization members and the press. [Read more…] about Teen Alleges Jersey City Police Brutality

After months of interviewing officers, brass, city hall officials, and union representatives, the Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the Newark Police Department. This comes eight months after the ACLU alleged civil rights abuses by the department, particularly in their handling of misconduct among officers. [Read more…] about US DOJ Announces Official Investigation into Newark Police Department

In January we reported that the city of Camden was forced to lay off close to 200 police officers due to budget shortages. Well, 50 of those officers got some good news this past week when it was announced they would be hired back.

Governor Christie approved a $2.5 million boost to the city and Mayor Redd announced 50 police officers and 15 firefighters would be getting their jobs back. They are expected to return to work on April 1.

These officers are hoping their rehire isn’t short-lived as the positions are only guaranteed through June. The city will have to wait and see at that time if the Governor will help them sustain the returned officers.

Interestingly, the $2.5 million in funding is rent money that a state agency pays Camden. They were late with their rent, according to Philly.com.

The cause for such a large number of layoffs was the inability of the FOP to come to an agreement with the Mayor’s office. The union claims they agreed to an 18 month wage increase and step pay freeze. But the city was calling for a 20{74bbbd36a4df8b83bd1805c8c4f34bcc3063e84848f392c2fd8bb03fcdaa883e} wage reduction.

This isn’t a unique story to Camden, as we’ve told you about in recent weeks. Several departments in the state have been forced to give officers pink-slips to deal with lack of money and disagreements between cities and union officials.

How these layoffs affect city safety and the public’s perception of safety has been only guessed at by local media sources thus far. Time will tell if they have any dramatic impact on crime rates and if so, may offer city and state officials (as well as unions) some incentive for working things out.

The ACLU is calling on the Federal Government to intervene in police matters in Newark. The organization claims the city is unable to “police” itself and needs the Feds to step in. The city, of course, is stating the ACLU has gone too far and their claims are unreasonable.

According to the Star Ledger, the organization is claiming that the city has had years of questionable response to police misconduct cases, citing 261 complaints of excessive force or improper arrest from 2008 to 2009, with only one of these investigations sustained. They point out one particular officer who has had 62 investigations himself, though none were sustained.

City officials question the ACLU’s logic stating the statistics they are using to petition the feds are outdated and from before the current city administration took office. “The city feels that the ACLU petition is frivolous and submitted in bad faith” says the city prosecutor.

The ACLU points out rising violent crime while the city points to overall crime drops. While the organization recognizes the city has seemed willing to work on their issues, budget cuts and crime rates have pushed such reforms lower on the list of priorities.

While the city seems reluctant to have anyone step in and make drastic changes to the way things are done, perhaps such oversight is necessary if they can’t get a handle on things alone. In addition to unresolved complaints of misconduct, the ACLU says, are 11 cops that have faced criminal charges within recent years, 9 of which who are still with the force.

If the cops are no more law abiding than the people they are arresting why should communities have faith in them? Lack of confidence in police is a troublesome matter across the country, but when you have officers potentially getting away with more than they should, that problem is exacerbated.

Many people within Newark are frightened of the police. Even if they’ve done nothing wrong, an encounter with police can make their palms sweat and their heart race. Often times this very fear is to blame for such things as evading arrest or fleeing the scene.

When you are facing potential criminal charges, it’s normal to be uneasy. From the moment that police make contact, you know the potential for jail time is there and can only hope your case will be handled fairly within the system.

A certified criminal trial attorney can help—by ensuring your rights are protected at every stage of the process. If you are facing criminal charges, contact me today for a free consultation.