Published in the Courier News, Friday, June 12, 2009 (A-1)
Cop faces insurance fraud charges
20-year division veteran suspended
By MARK SPIVEY
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- A 20-year veteran with the city's police division has been suspended without pay after being charged with insurance fraud, Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig said Thursday.
Officer David Thomas was charged with second-degree insurance fraud in connection with a homeowner's claim involving a computer, according to Hellwig.
A Union County Prosecutor's Office spokesman confirmed the charge Thursday but said no additional information was immediately available.
Thomas is entitled to a hearing within 30 days, said Hellwig, who added that the division plans to terminate him in the case of a conviction.
Calling Thomas a "good officer," Hellwig said the veteran cop worked in a "very critical area" of the division, helping compile Uniform Crime Reports, gather intelligence and issue daily reports.
The suspension may further strain the division's administrative ranks, Hellwig added, because of the recent retirement of two lieutenants and a captain.
Mark Spivey: 908-243-6607; mspivey@mycentraljersey.com.
This story did not appear online.
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or CLIPS endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Showing posts with label Police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Police. Show all posts
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Street cams - McClatchy - Catch speeders and raise cash
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/v-print/story/47592.html
McClatchy Washington Bureau
Posted on Mon, Aug. 11, 2008
Cop cameras don't just catch speeders, they raise cash
Frank Greve | McClatchy Newspaper
last updated: August 12, 2008 08:32:34 AM
WASHINGTON — The leafy capital suburb of Chevy Chase Village is a great place to live but you wouldn't want to visit there.
At least not by car. Easy-to-miss automated speed cameras on its half-mile main drag, where the speed limit is 30 mph, caught 3,500 speeders on their first day of operation last fall. Before that, the norm was six tickets a day.
Many speeders first learn they've been caught when citations, along with photographic evidence, show up at the addresses that match the violators' license plates.
Be forewarned: More than 300 U.S. communities use automated "cop cam" systems like Chevy Chase's. They're after not just speeders but also red-light violators and railroad-crossing jumpers.
In the works are bus-mounted cop cams that ticket bus lane intruders, cop cams to punish speeders in highway construction zones, even cop cam systems that ticket motorists based on a car's average speed over a mile. They catch drivers who brake for known camera sites, then resume speeding.
Want to fight a cop cam ticket?
The same software that processes violations lets drivers view the five seconds before and after their alleged offenses on their home computers.
"It's very compelling evidence," said Cristina Weekes, the executive vice president for sales and marketing at Redflex Traffic Systems Inc., of Scottsdale, Ariz., a leading cop-cam maker.
"It's almost a no-win," admitted Horace Bradshaw, Washington's best-known traffic court defense lawyer.
When polled, substantial majorities approve of cop cams. When ticketed, however, lots are outraged.
"It's like Nazi Germany!" sputtered Dan Bradley, 41, a federal personnel investigator who routinely runs the six-lane Chevy Chase gantlet. "They ticket you for speeds that aren't dangerous."
In the peaceable United Kingdom, where cop cams are 10 times more widely used, saboteurs have shot out cameras lenses, disabled them with bolt cutters, set fire to them and pulled them down with a tractor's help, according to news reports.
What bugs people is clear from an industry pioneer's explanation of the effectiveness of cop cams:
"It's like the prospect of an IRS audit: The perception of risk promotes voluntary compliance," said Jim Tuton, founder of American Traffic Solutions of Scottsdale, Weekes' rival.
Three more tangible advantages excite municipal officials:
- Cop cams suppress violations effectively by all accounts, at least around known camera sites. In one widely cited study, six speed cameras posted on an eight-mile stretch of the Loop 101 freeway in Scottsdale cut speeders by 88 percent over a nine-month period.
- Cop cams reduce accidents, by most accounts. The frequent exception is more rear-enders, due to sudden stops on yellow at intersections where drivers know that the light is camera-monitored. Reductions in more hazardous right-angle crashes more than offset the added rear-enders, police say.
- The third reason, which municipal officials downplay, is that cop cams can be cash cows.
For a community of 2,000 with an annual budget of $4.6 million, that's a bonanza. What's more, because locals know enough to evade the cop cams, the village's new revenue mostly comes from outsiders, rather like a commuter tax.
Nor are Chevy Chase's big gains unique. Washington's dozen cop cams have taken in more than $200 million since 2001. Scottsdale's six freeway cameras took in $17 million in 2006.
Chevy Chase Police Chief Roy Gordon said in an interview, however: "It's not about how much revenue we're taking in with these cameras; it's about changing driver behavior."
There are four ways to avoid cop cam tickets: Most communities warn motorists that traffic laws are photo-enforced. New York City is one exception. Most municipalities also list cop-cam locations on their Web sites. Some new navigation systems warn drivers of known cop cam locations. And there's a site that tries to keep track of them, www.photoenforced.com.
Municipalities and contractors both do well by doing good, but contractors do more of the work.
The contractor studies a community's violation patterns, recommends camera locations, and calibrates and maintains the cameras. Using the police department's definition of speeding — typically 10 or 11 miles above the posted speed except in school zones — the cop cam system saves only the images of likely violators. Police review these along with the proposed citations.
Reviewers toss those with flaws, such as blurred license-plate numbers, more than one car in a single radar photo image or, in many jurisdictions, rental cars, whose drivers are too hard to track down. Contractors ticket the remainder and track collections.
Revenue splits vary, depending on the amounts of fines and traffic.
In Kingsport, Tenn., for example, Redflex receives 80 percent of the ticket price ($40) for the first 95 tickets issued at each intersection approach each month. Kingsport gets the remaining $10, according to Deputy Police Chief David Quillin.
After 95 tickets, Redflex and Kingsport split the fines evenly. In addition, Kingsport gets court costs, which the city council hiked from $13.50 to $50 last year. (The increase "would have happened regardless of the cameras," Quillin said. )
For the city, the gain is from $160,000 a year pre-cameras to an estimated $1.4 million. Redflex will make about half that.
Currently, 27 states — including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas and Washington — permit some kind of cop cam system. Arizona bought 100 speed and HOV-lane cameras this year for state highways. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants hundreds more.
Their only natural enemies are proving to be state legislatures. Many are so keen for a big share of cop cam revenue that local governments lose the incentive to introduce the cameras.
Nonetheless, cop cam maker Tuton predicts that the cameras someday will be part of the "standard national infrastructure."
The big reason is that their spread is viral: When they work, violations and revenue both fall. To that, the likeliest answer is more cameras.
On the Web:
An assessment of safety improvements attributable to red light cop-cams
Cop-cam makers:
The best anti-cop-cam site:
Friday, March 07, 2008
Policing - Ledger - James had cop install Riley's AC on city time
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday, March 07, 2008
Cop offers chilling tale at ex-mayor's trial
James' bodyguard recounts installing air conditioner at woman's apartment
BY JEFF WHELAN AND MARYANN SPOTO
Star-Ledger Staff
A police bodyguard for former Newark mayor Sharpe James testified yesterday that he was ordered to install an air conditioner in the Jersey City apartment of Tamika Riley while he was on duty.
Adelino Benavente, a Newark police officer for 21 years, was the fourth witness prosecutors put on the stand this week in the corruption trial of James and Riley, his co-defendant.
Prosecutors are trying to prove James rigged city land deals for Riley between 2000 and 2006 because she was his girlfriend and are calling witnesses in an attempt to establish that romantic link. Benavente was one of a handful of officers who worked on James' executive protection detail during that period and is one of several of the former mayor's bodyguards expected to testify.
Under questioning from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Primavera, the veteran police officer often appeared uncomfortable, speaking in clipped sentences and repeatedly saying his recollections about specific dates and details were hazy.
Primavera showed Benavente documents regarding an air conditioner purchased from a P.C. Richards store in July 2002. James' Visa card was billed $409.47 for the purchase, according to statements prosecutors showed the jury.
"I don't recall paying for it, but I recall seeing my signature on one of the receipts," Benavente said, confirming that James authorized him to make the purchase. He said he and two other aides were ordered -- he couldn't recall by whom -- to pick up the air conditioner, deliver it to Riley's Jersey City home, and install it.
Benavente described Riley as a "personal friend of the mayor. An acquaintance." He also said Riley would call his cell phone -- at one point twice a day -- to reach the mayor, but that he did not view such calls as a high enough priority to interrupt the mayor in meetings.
Pressed for details, he said, "I have no recollection of the dates or times." He also said he recalled James once refusing to take Riley's call, saying, "Miss Riley is dating someone. I don't want to talk to her right now."
Benavente is due back on the stand today in federal court in Newark.
Riley's defense attorney has acknowledged she and James had an intimate relationship, but said it was brief and began after Riley had already begun purchasing city land. Prosecutors say the relationship began at least as early as 2000 and that Riley's access to city land dried up during rough patches in the couple's romance.
Rose Marie Posella, James' longtime personal secretary, testified earlier this week that it was her impression Riley became the former mayor's girlfriend as far back as 1999. Under cross-examination, she acknowledged that recollection was different than what she said during her grand jury testimony and in interviews with the FBI. She said she remembered more the more she thought back to that time.
Posella completed her third day on the stand yesterday. Under cross-examination by Gerald Krovatin, Riley's attorney, she acknowledged that in addition to her support of the mayor, Riley was a supporter of City Council members and attended their political events.
Defense attorneys contend the council, not the mayor, has ultimate control over the land deals, which are intended to spur redevelopment.
Prosecutors say James illegally steered nine properties to Riley, a publicist and businesswoman. She purchased the properties for $46,000 and quickly sold them for more than $600,000, usually without any rehabilitation, authorities said.
Prosecutors also called City Clerk Robert Marasco to the stand yesterday to explore those purchases.
Riley's applications for the land deals were lacking required information when they were approved by the council between 2001 and 2004, Marasco said. He also said he perused several packages of resolutions passed by the council approving the sale of the properties to Riley.
Under questioning from Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Kwon, Marasco said three of the packages did not contain project proposals, preliminary site plans, estimated total development costs or amount of financing. The fourth contained something similar to a proposal, but still did not have all the elements required of the applicants, he said.
Marasco also said council members don't meet with developers until after a resolution is placed on their agenda by the administration.
During cross-examination of Marasco, the defense presented 11 municipal ordinances and resolutions that authorized land sales to various developers, all for $2,000 per unit, the same price Riley paid for her properties.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Cop offers chilling tale at ex-mayor's trial
James' bodyguard recounts installing air conditioner at woman's apartment
BY JEFF WHELAN AND MARYANN SPOTO
Star-Ledger Staff
A police bodyguard for former Newark mayor Sharpe James testified yesterday that he was ordered to install an air conditioner in the Jersey City apartment of Tamika Riley while he was on duty.
Adelino Benavente, a Newark police officer for 21 years, was the fourth witness prosecutors put on the stand this week in the corruption trial of James and Riley, his co-defendant.
Prosecutors are trying to prove James rigged city land deals for Riley between 2000 and 2006 because she was his girlfriend and are calling witnesses in an attempt to establish that romantic link. Benavente was one of a handful of officers who worked on James' executive protection detail during that period and is one of several of the former mayor's bodyguards expected to testify.
Under questioning from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Primavera, the veteran police officer often appeared uncomfortable, speaking in clipped sentences and repeatedly saying his recollections about specific dates and details were hazy.
Primavera showed Benavente documents regarding an air conditioner purchased from a P.C. Richards store in July 2002. James' Visa card was billed $409.47 for the purchase, according to statements prosecutors showed the jury.
"I don't recall paying for it, but I recall seeing my signature on one of the receipts," Benavente said, confirming that James authorized him to make the purchase. He said he and two other aides were ordered -- he couldn't recall by whom -- to pick up the air conditioner, deliver it to Riley's Jersey City home, and install it.
Benavente described Riley as a "personal friend of the mayor. An acquaintance." He also said Riley would call his cell phone -- at one point twice a day -- to reach the mayor, but that he did not view such calls as a high enough priority to interrupt the mayor in meetings.
Pressed for details, he said, "I have no recollection of the dates or times." He also said he recalled James once refusing to take Riley's call, saying, "Miss Riley is dating someone. I don't want to talk to her right now."
Benavente is due back on the stand today in federal court in Newark.
Riley's defense attorney has acknowledged she and James had an intimate relationship, but said it was brief and began after Riley had already begun purchasing city land. Prosecutors say the relationship began at least as early as 2000 and that Riley's access to city land dried up during rough patches in the couple's romance.
Rose Marie Posella, James' longtime personal secretary, testified earlier this week that it was her impression Riley became the former mayor's girlfriend as far back as 1999. Under cross-examination, she acknowledged that recollection was different than what she said during her grand jury testimony and in interviews with the FBI. She said she remembered more the more she thought back to that time.
Posella completed her third day on the stand yesterday. Under cross-examination by Gerald Krovatin, Riley's attorney, she acknowledged that in addition to her support of the mayor, Riley was a supporter of City Council members and attended their political events.
Defense attorneys contend the council, not the mayor, has ultimate control over the land deals, which are intended to spur redevelopment.
Prosecutors say James illegally steered nine properties to Riley, a publicist and businesswoman. She purchased the properties for $46,000 and quickly sold them for more than $600,000, usually without any rehabilitation, authorities said.
Prosecutors also called City Clerk Robert Marasco to the stand yesterday to explore those purchases.
Riley's applications for the land deals were lacking required information when they were approved by the council between 2001 and 2004, Marasco said. He also said he perused several packages of resolutions passed by the council approving the sale of the properties to Riley.
Under questioning from Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Kwon, Marasco said three of the packages did not contain project proposals, preliminary site plans, estimated total development costs or amount of financing. The fourth contained something similar to a proposal, but still did not have all the elements required of the applicants, he said.
Marasco also said council members don't meet with developers until after a resolution is placed on their agenda by the administration.
During cross-examination of Marasco, the defense presented 11 municipal ordinances and resolutions that authorized land sales to various developers, all for $2,000 per unit, the same price Riley paid for her properties.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Santiago elimination - Courier - Council abolishes position
Published in the Courier, Thursday, March 06, 2008
[Removal of Chief Santiago - Ordinance - 1st Reading; Officers detailed]
Latin-American group backs Plainfield chief
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — As City Council members moved forward Wednesday night with plans to abolish the position of police chief and create the title of civilian police director, the head of the city's Latin American Coalition and others continued to denounce the proposal as a personal vendetta.
Shortly before the City Council session — where council members passed the companion ordinances on first reading — Flor Gonzalez, president of the Latin American Coalition, called for a brief rally in support of Chief Edward Santiago, who faces retirement or demotion to captain next month under the pending laws. The ordinances still require another reading and a public hearing, which will be held March 19, before they are formally adopted.
Gonzalez, who has defended Santiago throughout his embattled tenure as chief, gathered with a dozen members of Plainfield's Hispanic community to wave signs in English and Spanish that signaled their support.
One poster was covered with photographs of Lazaro Tista, a Guatemalan immigrant whom authorities have said was beaten to death last year by three Plainfield men because he was Hispanic. Gonzalez credited the chief and city police for quickly capturing the suspects.
"He's a great asset for the city of Plainfield because he works for our needs," added Pedro Santana, co-owner of Caribe Cab Taxi Corp.
Gonzalez, as she has in public meetings, repeatedly questioned the council's motivation for abolishing the position and claimed the move has no justification. But city officials have countered that hiring a civilian director will add a level of performance accountability to the Police Division.
Under the city's proposed ordinances, a candidate for police director with at least five years of experience in public administration or law enforcement would be appointed by the mayor with City Council consent.
The director, who would serve at the mayor's pleasure, would report to city leaders and the public safety director. The proposed ordinance creating the title also allows the public safety director to hold both positions. Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig has not indicated if he would accept the additional responsibility if asked.
Also included in the ordinance is a provision giving the sitting mayor power to hear and determine any charges filed against a member of the city's police or fire divisions.
Hellwig's pending police reorganization plan, which includes abolishing the chief's position, would expand the responsibilities of the city's five captains and create a sixth bureau for information technology. The administrative duties held by Santiago would be transferred to the police director while his police-related functions would be absorbed by bureau commanders, which could include Santiago if he accepts a demotion.
The proposed ordinance creating the director's position also allows for a significant expansion of the 151-member force. Under the pending law, the Police Division could expand to include up to eight captains, 24 lieutenants, 50 sergeants and 250 patrolman. Though Hellwig and city Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said the provision will give police leaders future hiring flexibility, some council members have questioned if the numbers are necessary to include.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
[Removal of Chief Santiago - Ordinance - 1st Reading; Officers detailed]
Latin-American group backs Plainfield chief
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD — As City Council members moved forward Wednesday night with plans to abolish the position of police chief and create the title of civilian police director, the head of the city's Latin American Coalition and others continued to denounce the proposal as a personal vendetta.
Shortly before the City Council session — where council members passed the companion ordinances on first reading — Flor Gonzalez, president of the Latin American Coalition, called for a brief rally in support of Chief Edward Santiago, who faces retirement or demotion to captain next month under the pending laws. The ordinances still require another reading and a public hearing, which will be held March 19, before they are formally adopted.
Gonzalez, who has defended Santiago throughout his embattled tenure as chief, gathered with a dozen members of Plainfield's Hispanic community to wave signs in English and Spanish that signaled their support.
One poster was covered with photographs of Lazaro Tista, a Guatemalan immigrant whom authorities have said was beaten to death last year by three Plainfield men because he was Hispanic. Gonzalez credited the chief and city police for quickly capturing the suspects.
"He's a great asset for the city of Plainfield because he works for our needs," added Pedro Santana, co-owner of Caribe Cab Taxi Corp.
Gonzalez, as she has in public meetings, repeatedly questioned the council's motivation for abolishing the position and claimed the move has no justification. But city officials have countered that hiring a civilian director will add a level of performance accountability to the Police Division.
Under the city's proposed ordinances, a candidate for police director with at least five years of experience in public administration or law enforcement would be appointed by the mayor with City Council consent.
The director, who would serve at the mayor's pleasure, would report to city leaders and the public safety director. The proposed ordinance creating the title also allows the public safety director to hold both positions. Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig has not indicated if he would accept the additional responsibility if asked.
Also included in the ordinance is a provision giving the sitting mayor power to hear and determine any charges filed against a member of the city's police or fire divisions.
Hellwig's pending police reorganization plan, which includes abolishing the chief's position, would expand the responsibilities of the city's five captains and create a sixth bureau for information technology. The administrative duties held by Santiago would be transferred to the police director while his police-related functions would be absorbed by bureau commanders, which could include Santiago if he accepts a demotion.
The proposed ordinance creating the director's position also allows for a significant expansion of the 151-member force. Under the pending law, the Police Division could expand to include up to eight captains, 24 lieutenants, 50 sergeants and 250 patrolman. Though Hellwig and city Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said the provision will give police leaders future hiring flexibility, some council members have questioned if the numbers are necessary to include.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Santiago elimination - Ledger - Council abolishes position
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday, March 07, 2008
[Removal of Chief Santiago]
Council votes to abolish police chief's position
PLAINFIELD: As expected, the city council approved two controversial public safety ordi nances at Wednesday night's meeting.
The first abolishes the police chief's position and creates a civilian police director, while the second reorganizes the police department and allows the public safety director to simultaneously hold the position of police direc tor.
The measures must now be approved on second reading at the next council meeting, which is March 17. Should that happen, both would take effect April 11, city officials said.
On the vote to eliminate the police chief's position -- Edward Santiago currently holds that title -- the seven-member council voted 5-0 with two abstentions. Council members Rashid Burney, Linda Carter, Don Davis, William Reid and Elliott Simmons approved; while Council President Harold Gibson and Councilman Cory Storch abstained.
On the vote to reorganize the police department, the council passed it 5-2, with Burney, Davis, Gibson, Reid and Simmons approving. Carter and Storch op posed the measure.
Santiago has said he will appeal any attempt to remove him, contending it is politically moti vated on the part of Mayor Sha ron Robinson-Briggs' administration. The mayor says the ordi nances are meant to create a more efficient and accountable police department.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
[Removal of Chief Santiago]
Council votes to abolish police chief's position
PLAINFIELD: As expected, the city council approved two controversial public safety ordi nances at Wednesday night's meeting.
The first abolishes the police chief's position and creates a civilian police director, while the second reorganizes the police department and allows the public safety director to simultaneously hold the position of police direc tor.
The measures must now be approved on second reading at the next council meeting, which is March 17. Should that happen, both would take effect April 11, city officials said.
On the vote to eliminate the police chief's position -- Edward Santiago currently holds that title -- the seven-member council voted 5-0 with two abstentions. Council members Rashid Burney, Linda Carter, Don Davis, William Reid and Elliott Simmons approved; while Council President Harold Gibson and Councilman Cory Storch abstained.
On the vote to reorganize the police department, the council passed it 5-2, with Burney, Davis, Gibson, Reid and Simmons approving. Carter and Storch op posed the measure.
Santiago has said he will appeal any attempt to remove him, contending it is politically moti vated on the part of Mayor Sha ron Robinson-Briggs' administration. The mayor says the ordi nances are meant to create a more efficient and accountable police department.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Santiago elimination - Courier - Editorial: Wrong choice in PR effort
Published in the Courier News, Friday, March 07, 2008
[Editorial - Removal of Chief Santiago]
Plainfield makes wrong choice in PR effort
In their quest to win public support for a plan to oust Police Chief Edward Santiago and replace him with a civilian director, Plainfield city officials this week brought in a man described as "a leading authority on police matters."
His name is Joseph Santiago, no relation to the chief, but rather well known in the state for all the wrong reasons.
Joseph Santiago, the current police director in Trenton, is the former -- and short-lived -- superintendent of state police, one of many ill-conceived appointments by former Gov. Jim McGreevey.
The choice of Santiago, who had been Newark's police director, had all the earmarks of cronyism from the beginning, thanks to McGreevey's ties to former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. Santiago had a checkered personal and professional history in Newark, including a conviction for beating up a corrections officer and tax delinquency.
That background alone made him the wrong choice to head up an agency that itself was struggling so mightily with its own image after racial profiling scandals. But Santiago went on to commit a series of embarrassing blunders during his brief reign as superintendent. Santiago at one point took to wearing a badge and uniform he had supposedly earned from taking a state trooper class that only existed on paper. Santiago also reportedly ordered confiscation of all files potentially critical of himself and his executive staff. And state police investigators also discovered alleged mob links to Santiago.
Joseph Santiago eventually resigned under fire, but found a soft landing in Trenton, although his stint there has not been without its own controversy. A lawsuit citing the city's residency requirement -- which was waived in Santiago's case -- wants Santiago to either move to Trenton or lose his job.
Why does any of this matter now, to Plainfield? City officials already have a credibility problem on this issue. There remains good reason to assume they are motivated primarily by the desire to rid themselves of Chief Santiago. But they can't publicly admit that in gaining state approval for their restructuring plan, so instead, they've crafted the proposal to emphasize the benefits of a civilian director.
Joseph Santiago was invited to speak at a City Council meeting on Monday to reinforce the message, but city leaders could scarcely have found anyone with less credibility. Joseph Santiago may be a fine law enforcement official. But given all of his baggage, is he the one officials should want helping out in what amounts to a public relations campaign?
Officials need to do better than that. If they can't, it only raises more questions about the wisdom of the restructuring plan.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
[Editorial - Removal of Chief Santiago]
Plainfield makes wrong choice in PR effort
In their quest to win public support for a plan to oust Police Chief Edward Santiago and replace him with a civilian director, Plainfield city officials this week brought in a man described as "a leading authority on police matters."
His name is Joseph Santiago, no relation to the chief, but rather well known in the state for all the wrong reasons.
Joseph Santiago, the current police director in Trenton, is the former -- and short-lived -- superintendent of state police, one of many ill-conceived appointments by former Gov. Jim McGreevey.
The choice of Santiago, who had been Newark's police director, had all the earmarks of cronyism from the beginning, thanks to McGreevey's ties to former Newark Mayor Sharpe James. Santiago had a checkered personal and professional history in Newark, including a conviction for beating up a corrections officer and tax delinquency.
That background alone made him the wrong choice to head up an agency that itself was struggling so mightily with its own image after racial profiling scandals. But Santiago went on to commit a series of embarrassing blunders during his brief reign as superintendent. Santiago at one point took to wearing a badge and uniform he had supposedly earned from taking a state trooper class that only existed on paper. Santiago also reportedly ordered confiscation of all files potentially critical of himself and his executive staff. And state police investigators also discovered alleged mob links to Santiago.
Joseph Santiago eventually resigned under fire, but found a soft landing in Trenton, although his stint there has not been without its own controversy. A lawsuit citing the city's residency requirement -- which was waived in Santiago's case -- wants Santiago to either move to Trenton or lose his job.
Why does any of this matter now, to Plainfield? City officials already have a credibility problem on this issue. There remains good reason to assume they are motivated primarily by the desire to rid themselves of Chief Santiago. But they can't publicly admit that in gaining state approval for their restructuring plan, so instead, they've crafted the proposal to emphasize the benefits of a civilian director.
Joseph Santiago was invited to speak at a City Council meeting on Monday to reinforce the message, but city leaders could scarcely have found anyone with less credibility. Joseph Santiago may be a fine law enforcement official. But given all of his baggage, is he the one officials should want helping out in what amounts to a public relations campaign?
Officials need to do better than that. If they can't, it only raises more questions about the wisdom of the restructuring plan.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Police - Courier - Trenton police director presents to Council
Published in the Courier News, Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Trenton police director opines on chief issue
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago told City Council members Monday night that appointing a civilian to oversee the city's 151-member force -- while abolishing the chief's position -- would likely infuse a higher level of accountability and a fresh managerial focus throughout the Police Division.
During a 20-minute presentation, Santiago said an appointed police director, by design, would be "transparent and more responsive" than a sworn chief, a position chiefs argue is protected from politics by tenure guidelines and other laws.
"I don't think that the notion of having a civilian automatically transcends into political interference," Santiago said. "I think that's what some people will try to convince you of, but I've rarely seen cases of it."
Local officials invited Santiago to visit Plainfield as City Council members move to finalize a controversial plan -- which last month gained state Department of Personnel approval -- to eliminate the position of police chief as part of a wider reorganization of the city's Police Division.
Under the proposal, Chief Edward Santiago would be stripped of his position April 11 -- two days shy of his ninth anniversary as the city's top cop -- and would be forced to retire or accept a demotion to captain.
His supporters, including a contingent of fellow chiefs who lined one wall of the council's meeting room, were likely prepared to criticize the proposal during public comment, but citizens' participation was scheduled past Courier News deadlines.
Joseph Santiago -- described by Plainfield officials as a leading authority in police issues -- is also a polarizing figure in New Jersey law enforcement. A former Newark police director, Joseph Santiago served seven months as state police superintendent before resigning amid several controversies.
Most recently, Trenton residents and politicians have sued the city and its mayor, Douglas H. Palmer, over a requirement that employees live within city limits. The pending lawsuits demand the police director move to Trenton or lose his job.
In Plainfield, the layoff proposal is part of a reorganization effort by Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, who found "serious management and operational issues directly related to the Police Division's organizational structure" after a review of the force.
The pending reorganization would expand the responsibilities of bureau commanders, revamp existing units and create a sixth police bureau dedicated to solving information technology issues and reporting crime statistics.
The administrative duties held by Edward Santiago would be handed over to the civilian police director while police-related functions of the chief would be absorbed by bureau commanders who hold the rank of captain.
"Thoughtful deployment of resources and strict accountability for the delivery of services has been a missing ingredient in the administration of police resources. I intend to end that practice," Hellwig wrote in a reorganization report. "The redeployment of all captains and reorganization signals a new way of doing business in the police division."
The city's Fire Division would maintain the rank of chief, Hellwig said, because the "efficiency with regard to the Fire Division is not in question to my mind."
Under pending resolutions, a police director with at least five years of experience in public administration or law enforcement and would be appointed by the mayor and City Council. The person would serve until the mayor's successor decides to accept or reject the choice. The director would report to city leaders, including the public safety director.
But why appoint two civilians to oversee the city's police officers, creating what some critics have called an unnecessary layer of expensive bureaucracy?
"It could be me," Hellwig said the proposed ordinance to appoint a police director, which includes language to allow the public safety director to assume both roles.
"Taxes are of main concern to the council and the administration, obviously, and that's why this (wording) was put in there," Hellwig said, adding that "it's still up for discussion" about whether he would accept the added job.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Trenton police director opines on chief issue
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago told City Council members Monday night that appointing a civilian to oversee the city's 151-member force -- while abolishing the chief's position -- would likely infuse a higher level of accountability and a fresh managerial focus throughout the Police Division.
During a 20-minute presentation, Santiago said an appointed police director, by design, would be "transparent and more responsive" than a sworn chief, a position chiefs argue is protected from politics by tenure guidelines and other laws.
"I don't think that the notion of having a civilian automatically transcends into political interference," Santiago said. "I think that's what some people will try to convince you of, but I've rarely seen cases of it."
Local officials invited Santiago to visit Plainfield as City Council members move to finalize a controversial plan -- which last month gained state Department of Personnel approval -- to eliminate the position of police chief as part of a wider reorganization of the city's Police Division.
Under the proposal, Chief Edward Santiago would be stripped of his position April 11 -- two days shy of his ninth anniversary as the city's top cop -- and would be forced to retire or accept a demotion to captain.
His supporters, including a contingent of fellow chiefs who lined one wall of the council's meeting room, were likely prepared to criticize the proposal during public comment, but citizens' participation was scheduled past Courier News deadlines.
Joseph Santiago -- described by Plainfield officials as a leading authority in police issues -- is also a polarizing figure in New Jersey law enforcement. A former Newark police director, Joseph Santiago served seven months as state police superintendent before resigning amid several controversies.
Most recently, Trenton residents and politicians have sued the city and its mayor, Douglas H. Palmer, over a requirement that employees live within city limits. The pending lawsuits demand the police director move to Trenton or lose his job.
In Plainfield, the layoff proposal is part of a reorganization effort by Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, who found "serious management and operational issues directly related to the Police Division's organizational structure" after a review of the force.
The pending reorganization would expand the responsibilities of bureau commanders, revamp existing units and create a sixth police bureau dedicated to solving information technology issues and reporting crime statistics.
The administrative duties held by Edward Santiago would be handed over to the civilian police director while police-related functions of the chief would be absorbed by bureau commanders who hold the rank of captain.
"Thoughtful deployment of resources and strict accountability for the delivery of services has been a missing ingredient in the administration of police resources. I intend to end that practice," Hellwig wrote in a reorganization report. "The redeployment of all captains and reorganization signals a new way of doing business in the police division."
The city's Fire Division would maintain the rank of chief, Hellwig said, because the "efficiency with regard to the Fire Division is not in question to my mind."
Under pending resolutions, a police director with at least five years of experience in public administration or law enforcement and would be appointed by the mayor and City Council. The person would serve until the mayor's successor decides to accept or reject the choice. The director would report to city leaders, including the public safety director.
But why appoint two civilians to oversee the city's police officers, creating what some critics have called an unnecessary layer of expensive bureaucracy?
"It could be me," Hellwig said the proposed ordinance to appoint a police director, which includes language to allow the public safety director to assume both roles.
"Taxes are of main concern to the council and the administration, obviously, and that's why this (wording) was put in there," Hellwig said, adding that "it's still up for discussion" about whether he would accept the added job.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Asm Jerry Green - Legislature - Bill to make police chiefs contractual - Courier
Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Bill would monitor Jersey's top cops
By CHAD HEMENWAY
Staff Writer
TRENTON -- Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced legislation Monday that would make make it easier for municipalities to remove police chiefs from their jobs.
In essence, the legislation would make New Jersey police chiefs contractual employees of the municipalities they work for, making it "easier for municipalities to remove police chiefs who are incompetent or who fail to meet performance goals."
"(Police chiefs) really should welcome it," said Green, D-Plainfield. "The challenge is now out there. The ones who are performing well and doing their jobs should have no problem with accountability."
According to Green's legislation, municipalities would hire chiefs of police for a three-to-five-year contract. Once the contract expires, chiefs would immediately be rehired unless the municipality decides on a different term or "determines the chief has failed to adequately address deficiencies highlighted in a performance evaluation."
Bill A-2864 would also establish a Chiefs of Police Performance Evaluation Commission in the state Division of Criminal Justice. The commission's primary function would be to conduct performance evaluations of chiefs.
The 12-member commission would include two people appointed to three-year terms by the governor, with Senate approval; the president or authorized representative of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, the state Police Benevolent Association, the New Jersey State Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Police, the state League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Conference of Mayors; the attorney general; the superintendent of State Police; the state commissioner of Personnel; and the state commissioner of Labor.
The commission would conduct evaluations at least one year prior to the expiration of a contract. Municipalities could also request an evaluation within the first year of the legislation, should it be enacted. After a subsequent meeting between the chief and municipality, the municipality could refuse to renew the contract if the chief fails to address deficiencies described in the evaluation.
Mitchell C. Sklar, executive director of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, said he had not read the legislation but received Green's news release about it.
Sklar said he wonders how a consensus would be reached on what makes a productive or effective police chief, considering the state has 566 municipalities with different circumstances, budgets and populations.
"That panel is very problematic," Sklar said of the proposed commission. "Though some of the proposed members are very valuable to the state, I'm not sure what they can contribute to an evaluation about police chiefs -- all of whom serve in municipalities that are very different."
Sklar added the bill "opens the door wide open" for political leverage.
"It appears you could drive a truck through the hole something like this would create for politics to enter the mix," Sklar said. "Chiefs should have the opportunity to disagree without fear of their opinions impacting whether they remain.
"There are statutes in place to keep these matters separate," he said. "This would take a machete to that system. This is a disincentive to become chief. Why would you want to?"
Green said the bill is simply about accountability, not politics. He said he has spoken to numerous municipalities that have "lost hope" or can't do anything about an ineffective police chief. Green spent six months in Plainfield, he said, interviewing officials to get "a good handle on local government."
In Plainfield, police Chief Edward Santiago is under paid administrative leave until a hearing to decide if he can return to work. Santiago has a lawsuit pending against the city to clear his record of a suspension in 2003.
"Here is a situation where no one is happy with his management," Green said. "Everyone thinks that the police department is not run correctly but they can't remove him because he has tenure. I don't think it's politically motivated. I think people just think he isn't doing a good job."
Santiago's attorney could not be reached for comment.
The issue seemed new to some local police chiefs. The first time Bridgewater police Chief Stephen Obal heard about it was when he was reached by the Courier News for comment. South Bound Brook police Chief Robert Verry said he heard something about it on a radio report but was unfamiliar with the details.
"I already have a 10-year contract," said Verry, who has been chief for six years. "It would seem to me that there would be a lot of questions with the legislation. I don't know how chiefs would continue running their departments if their subordinates ultimately have more tenure than the chief."
Sklar said many police chiefs have contracts. In fact, he said the chief's association provides municipalities with models for the contracts.
Green said the bill is not intended to affect tenure rights. If a chief is removed, he can still take a lesser role within the department, he said. But Sklar said that could have [an] effect [on] pay and pension plans.
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Bill would monitor Jersey's top cops
By CHAD HEMENWAY
Staff Writer
TRENTON -- Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced legislation Monday that would make make it easier for municipalities to remove police chiefs from their jobs.
In essence, the legislation would make New Jersey police chiefs contractual employees of the municipalities they work for, making it "easier for municipalities to remove police chiefs who are incompetent or who fail to meet performance goals."
"(Police chiefs) really should welcome it," said Green, D-Plainfield. "The challenge is now out there. The ones who are performing well and doing their jobs should have no problem with accountability."
According to Green's legislation, municipalities would hire chiefs of police for a three-to-five-year contract. Once the contract expires, chiefs would immediately be rehired unless the municipality decides on a different term or "determines the chief has failed to adequately address deficiencies highlighted in a performance evaluation."
Bill A-2864 would also establish a Chiefs of Police Performance Evaluation Commission in the state Division of Criminal Justice. The commission's primary function would be to conduct performance evaluations of chiefs.
The 12-member commission would include two people appointed to three-year terms by the governor, with Senate approval; the president or authorized representative of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, the state Police Benevolent Association, the New Jersey State Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Police, the state League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Conference of Mayors; the attorney general; the superintendent of State Police; the state commissioner of Personnel; and the state commissioner of Labor.
The commission would conduct evaluations at least one year prior to the expiration of a contract. Municipalities could also request an evaluation within the first year of the legislation, should it be enacted. After a subsequent meeting between the chief and municipality, the municipality could refuse to renew the contract if the chief fails to address deficiencies described in the evaluation.
Mitchell C. Sklar, executive director of the state Association of Chiefs of Police, said he had not read the legislation but received Green's news release about it.
Sklar said he wonders how a consensus would be reached on what makes a productive or effective police chief, considering the state has 566 municipalities with different circumstances, budgets and populations.
"That panel is very problematic," Sklar said of the proposed commission. "Though some of the proposed members are very valuable to the state, I'm not sure what they can contribute to an evaluation about police chiefs -- all of whom serve in municipalities that are very different."
Sklar added the bill "opens the door wide open" for political leverage.
"It appears you could drive a truck through the hole something like this would create for politics to enter the mix," Sklar said. "Chiefs should have the opportunity to disagree without fear of their opinions impacting whether they remain.
"There are statutes in place to keep these matters separate," he said. "This would take a machete to that system. This is a disincentive to become chief. Why would you want to?"
Green said the bill is simply about accountability, not politics. He said he has spoken to numerous municipalities that have "lost hope" or can't do anything about an ineffective police chief. Green spent six months in Plainfield, he said, interviewing officials to get "a good handle on local government."
In Plainfield, police Chief Edward Santiago is under paid administrative leave until a hearing to decide if he can return to work. Santiago has a lawsuit pending against the city to clear his record of a suspension in 2003.
"Here is a situation where no one is happy with his management," Green said. "Everyone thinks that the police department is not run correctly but they can't remove him because he has tenure. I don't think it's politically motivated. I think people just think he isn't doing a good job."
Santiago's attorney could not be reached for comment.
The issue seemed new to some local police chiefs. The first time Bridgewater police Chief Stephen Obal heard about it was when he was reached by the Courier News for comment. South Bound Brook police Chief Robert Verry said he heard something about it on a radio report but was unfamiliar with the details.
"I already have a 10-year contract," said Verry, who has been chief for six years. "It would seem to me that there would be a lot of questions with the legislation. I don't know how chiefs would continue running their departments if their subordinates ultimately have more tenure than the chief."
Sklar said many police chiefs have contracts. In fact, he said the chief's association provides municipalities with models for the contracts.
Green said the bill is not intended to affect tenure rights. If a chief is removed, he can still take a lesser role within the department, he said. But Sklar said that could have [an] effect [on] pay and pension plans.
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Police Chief - Courier - State OK's plan to ax Santiago
Published in the Courier News, Thursday, February 21, 2008
State OKs city's plan to eliminate top cop post
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- The state Department of Personnel has approved the city's proposal to abolish the position of police chief, effectively allowing City Council members to move forward with a plan that would force Chief Edward Santiago to continue working as a captain or retire, officials said Wednesday.
The state Department of Personnel on Friday determined the proposal -- unanimously passed Jan. 24 by four members of the City Council -- meets civil service laws and intends to improve "economy and efficiency" within the Police Division, agency spokeswoman Maryann Jemison said. It is effective April 11, she said, because targeted employees must receive a 45-day notice.
Before a layoff plan is implemented, state Department of Personnel representatives typically review affected employees' records, explain their civil-service rights and outline any options for further employment, such as the chance to accept another position, Jemison said.
City Council members have said they will pass an ordinance to formally eliminate the post and clear the way for the appointment of a civilian police director -- also described as an executive officer -- who would oversee day-to-day operations of the Police Division. The person would report to the mayor, city administrator and Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, local officials have said.
Jemison said a person affected by a layoff plan who wants to challenge the good faith of a proposal has 20 days to file an appeal to the state Department of Personnel, which would forward the grievance to the state Office of Administrative Law for a preliminary ruling. The verdict would then go to the five-member Merit System Board, which can approve, deny or modify a judge's decision.
When informed of the Department of Personnel's approval, Patricia Breuninger, of the Scotch Plains firm of Breuninger & Fellman, which has represented Santiago in other issues involving the city, said she is "very aware that they want him to leave not because of his performance but because he evidently is not sympathetic to some of the political people in power."
"They want him out," she said. "Period."
During his nearly nine years as chief, Santiago has clashed with the city over police operations and a string of disciplinary actions lodged against him. Santiago was first suspended by former Public Safety Director Michael Lattimore in 2003 about a private management issue. In 2005, Santiago sued Plainfield officials, claiming negative publicity about the 2003 suspension and that a separate lawsuit Lattimore filed against the city damaged his reputation.
In 2006, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, shortly after taking office, placed Santiago on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of his lawsuit against the city. A judge then reversed the city's action and reinstated the chief.
In March 2007, Hellwig lodged a five-day suspension against Santiago, but the action was postponed pending a hearing. Private meetings before a hearing officer to determine whether Santiago deserved the suspension are ongoing.
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
State OKs city's plan to eliminate top cop post
By BRANDON LAUSCH
STAFF WRITER
PLAINFIELD -- The state Department of Personnel has approved the city's proposal to abolish the position of police chief, effectively allowing City Council members to move forward with a plan that would force Chief Edward Santiago to continue working as a captain or retire, officials said Wednesday.
The state Department of Personnel on Friday determined the proposal -- unanimously passed Jan. 24 by four members of the City Council -- meets civil service laws and intends to improve "economy and efficiency" within the Police Division, agency spokeswoman Maryann Jemison said. It is effective April 11, she said, because targeted employees must receive a 45-day notice.
Before a layoff plan is implemented, state Department of Personnel representatives typically review affected employees' records, explain their civil-service rights and outline any options for further employment, such as the chance to accept another position, Jemison said.
City Council members have said they will pass an ordinance to formally eliminate the post and clear the way for the appointment of a civilian police director -- also described as an executive officer -- who would oversee day-to-day operations of the Police Division. The person would report to the mayor, city administrator and Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, local officials have said.
Jemison said a person affected by a layoff plan who wants to challenge the good faith of a proposal has 20 days to file an appeal to the state Department of Personnel, which would forward the grievance to the state Office of Administrative Law for a preliminary ruling. The verdict would then go to the five-member Merit System Board, which can approve, deny or modify a judge's decision.
When informed of the Department of Personnel's approval, Patricia Breuninger, of the Scotch Plains firm of Breuninger & Fellman, which has represented Santiago in other issues involving the city, said she is "very aware that they want him to leave not because of his performance but because he evidently is not sympathetic to some of the political people in power."
"They want him out," she said. "Period."
During his nearly nine years as chief, Santiago has clashed with the city over police operations and a string of disciplinary actions lodged against him. Santiago was first suspended by former Public Safety Director Michael Lattimore in 2003 about a private management issue. In 2005, Santiago sued Plainfield officials, claiming negative publicity about the 2003 suspension and that a separate lawsuit Lattimore filed against the city damaged his reputation.
In 2006, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, shortly after taking office, placed Santiago on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of his lawsuit against the city. A judge then reversed the city's action and reinstated the chief.
In March 2007, Hellwig lodged a five-day suspension against Santiago, but the action was postponed pending a hearing. Private meetings before a hearing officer to determine whether Santiago deserved the suspension are ongoing.
Brandon Lausch can be reached at (908) 707-3175 or blausch@c-n.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Police Chief - Ledger - State OK's plan to ax Santiago
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday, February 22, 2008
Plan to ax police chief post OK'd
Plainfield's force will have a civilian director
By ALEXI FRIEDMAN
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state has approved Plainfield's plan to eliminate the position of police chief and replace it with a civilian police director, clearing the way for the city council to create an ordinance adopting the measure.
The layoff date for Police Chief Edward Santiago is April 11, said Maryann Jemison, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Personnel. The council voted for the layoff plan last month, sending it to the state, which approved the measure Feb. 15.
Santiago will challenge the state's decision, according to his attorney, Patricia Breuninger, although that appeal to the Office of Administrative Law will not push back the April 11 date, Jemison said. Should Santiago win his appeal after the position is eliminated, action would be taken to return his job, she said.
Under the layoff plan -- part of a larger police department reorganization -- Santiago has the option of reverting to captain or retiring. He has not given thought as to whether he would accept the lower rank should his appeal fail, Breuninger said.
Eliminating the police chief and creating a civilian director will give the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs more authority over the department, officials said.
Public safety director Martin Hellwig, who created the reorganization plan, said no decision has been made about filling the police director slot.
The state doesn't need to approve a police director, Jemison said, because it is considered an unclassified position; the mayor can make the appointment.
Hellwig's reorganization plan also calls for creation of a sixth police captain, regardless of whether Santiago accepts the position. The new structure will create a more efficient and accountable police force, city officials say.
Santiago, who has had a contentious relationship with Robinson-Briggs and Hellwig, says the move is personal, aimed at getting rid of him. He is still fighting a five-day suspension issued last spring and has a previous case pending against Plainfield, now in Superior Court, alleging violations of his civil rights, Breuninger said.
Before the Plainfield council introduces an ordinance to create a police director -- which may happen at its March 5 meeting -- Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago (no relation to Edward Santiago) will give a presentation at a March 3 council agenda session, to explain his responsibilities. He gave a similar address to the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City in November.
Joseph Santiago, who is a past Newark police director and has spent five years at the helm of the Trenton police, has a complicated past. In January, the Trenton City Council approved a resolution asking the mayor to require the police director reside in the city -- Joseph Santiago lives 40 miles away in Stirling -- or face termination. In February 2003, when the council approved Joseph Santiago as police director, it did so despite protests from police unions. He had recently left office as New Jersey State Police superintendent after seven months, resigning under pressure during an investigation into his possible abuse of office.
Alexi Friedman may be reached at (908) 302-1505 or afriedman@starledger.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Plan to ax police chief post OK'd
Plainfield's force will have a civilian director
By ALEXI FRIEDMAN
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state has approved Plainfield's plan to eliminate the position of police chief and replace it with a civilian police director, clearing the way for the city council to create an ordinance adopting the measure.
The layoff date for Police Chief Edward Santiago is April 11, said Maryann Jemison, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Personnel. The council voted for the layoff plan last month, sending it to the state, which approved the measure Feb. 15.
Santiago will challenge the state's decision, according to his attorney, Patricia Breuninger, although that appeal to the Office of Administrative Law will not push back the April 11 date, Jemison said. Should Santiago win his appeal after the position is eliminated, action would be taken to return his job, she said.
Under the layoff plan -- part of a larger police department reorganization -- Santiago has the option of reverting to captain or retiring. He has not given thought as to whether he would accept the lower rank should his appeal fail, Breuninger said.
Eliminating the police chief and creating a civilian director will give the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs more authority over the department, officials said.
Public safety director Martin Hellwig, who created the reorganization plan, said no decision has been made about filling the police director slot.
The state doesn't need to approve a police director, Jemison said, because it is considered an unclassified position; the mayor can make the appointment.
Hellwig's reorganization plan also calls for creation of a sixth police captain, regardless of whether Santiago accepts the position. The new structure will create a more efficient and accountable police force, city officials say.
Santiago, who has had a contentious relationship with Robinson-Briggs and Hellwig, says the move is personal, aimed at getting rid of him. He is still fighting a five-day suspension issued last spring and has a previous case pending against Plainfield, now in Superior Court, alleging violations of his civil rights, Breuninger said.
Before the Plainfield council introduces an ordinance to create a police director -- which may happen at its March 5 meeting -- Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago (no relation to Edward Santiago) will give a presentation at a March 3 council agenda session, to explain his responsibilities. He gave a similar address to the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference in Atlantic City in November.
Joseph Santiago, who is a past Newark police director and has spent five years at the helm of the Trenton police, has a complicated past. In January, the Trenton City Council approved a resolution asking the mayor to require the police director reside in the city -- Joseph Santiago lives 40 miles away in Stirling -- or face termination. In February 2003, when the council approved Joseph Santiago as police director, it did so despite protests from police unions. He had recently left office as New Jersey State Police superintendent after seven months, resigning under pressure during an investigation into his possible abuse of office.
Alexi Friedman may be reached at (908) 302-1505 or afriedman@starledger.com.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Police Director - Ledger - Attorney General urges compromise
Published in the Star-Ledger, Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Compromise urged in Newark police feud
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Attorney General's Office yesterday waded cautiously into the legal battle over Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers, saying he should get access to key operational and crime-reporting data.
But the opinion, written by Division of Criminal Justice Director Gregory Paw, did not say whether McCarthy could remain involved in day-to-day decisions of the Newark Police Department. Instead, Paw encouraged the warring sides to work things out.
McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, said the opinion "shoots down as irrelevant" claims by the Superior Officers Association that he had usurped powers granted by state law to the city's sworn police chief.
But SOA President John Chrystal, who represents 259 sergeants, lieutenants and captains, said Paw "didn't address the issues" directly. He vowed to press on with a lawsuit seeking to strip McCarthy of his ability to run most aspects of the force.
Chrystal said he found Paw's timing curious. Written in response to a May 2007 complaint by the SOA, the opinion came down just six days after the SOA filed its lawsuit in state Superior Court alleging McCarthy had overstepped his legal bounds by making deployment decisions, disciplining officers and running weekly crime-strategy meetings.
"Why did it take so long?" Chrystal said.
David Wald, a spokesman for Paw, declined to comment.
On another front, Chrystal has also tried to block McCarthy's ability to issue promotions by citing a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people at each rank. McCarthy must now ask the city council to change the ordinance, or demote three captains to fall in line with the law.
Whether Paw's decision will influence the SOA's lawsuit remains uncertain. But Paw clearly favored McCarthy. And he was dismissive of the SOA's argument involving similar cases in other New Jersey municipalities where judges have ruled against a civilian director's ability to directly run their departments.
Paw said the rulings don't necessarily apply in Newark, which is bigger and faces much more complex crime problems than the other municipalities. To do his job well, Paw said, McCarthy needs access to information about the department's daily operations and the city's crime problems.
But Paw said the director and the chief need to get along for the department to run well. McCarthy and Police Chief Anthony Campos have a strained relationship. Paw encouraged all sides to resolve the issues as "partners."
Chrystal said he has asked for a meeting with Paw and McCarthy. If that fails, he said, "we'll see what the courts have to say."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Compromise urged in Newark police feud
State Attorney General's Office issues opinion in case
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The state Attorney General's Office yesterday waded cautiously into the legal battle over Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers, saying he should get access to key operational and crime-reporting data.
But the opinion, written by Division of Criminal Justice Director Gregory Paw, did not say whether McCarthy could remain involved in day-to-day decisions of the Newark Police Department. Instead, Paw encouraged the warring sides to work things out.
McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, said the opinion "shoots down as irrelevant" claims by the Superior Officers Association that he had usurped powers granted by state law to the city's sworn police chief.
But SOA President John Chrystal, who represents 259 sergeants, lieutenants and captains, said Paw "didn't address the issues" directly. He vowed to press on with a lawsuit seeking to strip McCarthy of his ability to run most aspects of the force.
Chrystal said he found Paw's timing curious. Written in response to a May 2007 complaint by the SOA, the opinion came down just six days after the SOA filed its lawsuit in state Superior Court alleging McCarthy had overstepped his legal bounds by making deployment decisions, disciplining officers and running weekly crime-strategy meetings.
"Why did it take so long?" Chrystal said.
David Wald, a spokesman for Paw, declined to comment.
On another front, Chrystal has also tried to block McCarthy's ability to issue promotions by citing a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people at each rank. McCarthy must now ask the city council to change the ordinance, or demote three captains to fall in line with the law.
Whether Paw's decision will influence the SOA's lawsuit remains uncertain. But Paw clearly favored McCarthy. And he was dismissive of the SOA's argument involving similar cases in other New Jersey municipalities where judges have ruled against a civilian director's ability to directly run their departments.
Paw said the rulings don't necessarily apply in Newark, which is bigger and faces much more complex crime problems than the other municipalities. To do his job well, Paw said, McCarthy needs access to information about the department's daily operations and the city's crime problems.
But Paw said the director and the chief need to get along for the department to run well. McCarthy and Police Chief Anthony Campos have a strained relationship. Paw encouraged all sides to resolve the issues as "partners."
Chrystal said he has asked for a meeting with Paw and McCarthy. If that fails, he said, "we'll see what the courts have to say."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Police Director - Ledger - Newark officers sue to reduce powers
Published in the Star-Ledger, Friday , February 01, 2008
Superior Officers' move could bring demotions
Union has filed a lawsuit to reduce police director's powers in Newark
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The Newark police union trying to curtail Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers is also blocking his ability to issue promotions -- and may force him to demote three trusted captains.
The moves have frustrated McCarthy, who predicted that the consequences could be "enor mous" because he may not be able to continue reforming the troubled Newark Police Department.
"This is keeping us from moving the agency forward," McCarthy said yesterday. "If they have a plan, it's hard to see what it is."
The Superior Officers Association on Wednesday filed a lawsuit accusing McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, of going beyond the scope of his legal authority to oversee the force.
Citing a state law that gives the power over most day-to-day operations to the sworn police chief, the union asked a state Superior Court judge to bar McCarthy from run ning most aspects of the department. That would leave it to Chief Anthony Campos, with whom McCarthy has a strained relation ship.
On a separate front, the SOA unearthed a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people who can hold certain ranks. When McCarthy revealed his intention this month to promote more than two dozen officers to sergeant, the union pointed out the ordinance, forcing him to limit the sergeant promotions to five.
McCarthy also noticed that the ordinance limited the number of captains to 30 -- even though the force has 33. So now he is contem plating demoting three captains to the rank of lieutenant while he tries to persuade the city council to change the ordinance.
The SOA's two-pronged attack on McCarthy surprised many police brass because the union represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains -- and therefore doesn't appear to gain any obvious benefit.
The ranking officers also noted that the Newark Police Department has been running the same way for decades -- including several instances in recent years when the roster violated the 1982 ordi nance -- without any complaints from the SOA.
That has prompted speculation about the union's motives.
Daniel Zieser, president of the deputy chiefs association, accused the SOA of "throwing a stumbling block in our efforts to increase supervision" within the department by promoting more sergeants.
SOA President John Chrystal said he simply wants the department to be run according to law.
"There's no ulterior motive other than to right a wrong," Chrystal said. "I have nothing personal to gain from this. I just want the department to be run properly. We want our members to get promoted the right way."
Chrystal said the union found the ordinance about a year ago after seeing similar issues arise in other New Jersey towns. He filed a grievance this week with the state Public Employment Relations Commission, claiming McCarthy transferred a union member who brought up the ordinance in a discussion about the promotions.
The head of the union representing patrol officers declined to comment.
The three captains facing demo tion -- the last three to get promoted to that rank -- are Niles Wilson, currently serving as deputy director in charge of recruiting, discipline and community relations; Antonio Perez, commander of the second precinct; and Inez Gonza lez, commander of the communica tions bureau.
If demoted, Perez and possibly Gonzalez will have to be transferred, McCarthy said.
"We are examining with our legal counsel whether we will be forced to demote them," McCarthy said.
Councilman Ronald C. Rice said he and McCarthy have discussed the old ordinance and he agreed to review it and consider changes.
"If it's a concern for him it's a concern for me as well," Rice said. "I want him to be able to do his job for the citizens of Newark."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Superior Officers' move could bring demotions
Union has filed a lawsuit to reduce police director's powers in Newark
By JONATHAN SCHUPPE
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
The Newark police union trying to curtail Police Director Garry McCarthy's powers is also blocking his ability to issue promotions -- and may force him to demote three trusted captains.
The moves have frustrated McCarthy, who predicted that the consequences could be "enor mous" because he may not be able to continue reforming the troubled Newark Police Department.
"This is keeping us from moving the agency forward," McCarthy said yesterday. "If they have a plan, it's hard to see what it is."
The Superior Officers Association on Wednesday filed a lawsuit accusing McCarthy, a retired New York Police Department deputy commissioner, of going beyond the scope of his legal authority to oversee the force.
Citing a state law that gives the power over most day-to-day operations to the sworn police chief, the union asked a state Superior Court judge to bar McCarthy from run ning most aspects of the department. That would leave it to Chief Anthony Campos, with whom McCarthy has a strained relation ship.
On a separate front, the SOA unearthed a long-forgotten 1982 city ordinance that caps the number of people who can hold certain ranks. When McCarthy revealed his intention this month to promote more than two dozen officers to sergeant, the union pointed out the ordinance, forcing him to limit the sergeant promotions to five.
McCarthy also noticed that the ordinance limited the number of captains to 30 -- even though the force has 33. So now he is contem plating demoting three captains to the rank of lieutenant while he tries to persuade the city council to change the ordinance.
The SOA's two-pronged attack on McCarthy surprised many police brass because the union represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains -- and therefore doesn't appear to gain any obvious benefit.
The ranking officers also noted that the Newark Police Department has been running the same way for decades -- including several instances in recent years when the roster violated the 1982 ordi nance -- without any complaints from the SOA.
That has prompted speculation about the union's motives.
Daniel Zieser, president of the deputy chiefs association, accused the SOA of "throwing a stumbling block in our efforts to increase supervision" within the department by promoting more sergeants.
SOA President John Chrystal said he simply wants the department to be run according to law.
"There's no ulterior motive other than to right a wrong," Chrystal said. "I have nothing personal to gain from this. I just want the department to be run properly. We want our members to get promoted the right way."
Chrystal said the union found the ordinance about a year ago after seeing similar issues arise in other New Jersey towns. He filed a grievance this week with the state Public Employment Relations Commission, claiming McCarthy transferred a union member who brought up the ordinance in a discussion about the promotions.
The head of the union representing patrol officers declined to comment.
The three captains facing demo tion -- the last three to get promoted to that rank -- are Niles Wilson, currently serving as deputy director in charge of recruiting, discipline and community relations; Antonio Perez, commander of the second precinct; and Inez Gonza lez, commander of the communica tions bureau.
If demoted, Perez and possibly Gonzalez will have to be transferred, McCarthy said.
"We are examining with our legal counsel whether we will be forced to demote them," McCarthy said.
Councilman Ronald C. Rice said he and McCarthy have discussed the old ordinance and he agreed to review it and consider changes.
"If it's a concern for him it's a concern for me as well," Rice said. "I want him to be able to do his job for the citizens of Newark."
Jonathan Schuppe may be reached at jschuppe@starledger.com or (973) 392-7960.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Santiago - Courier - OpEd: Martyniuk - No basis for eliminating position
Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Speaking Out [OpEd]
No basis for eliminating chief of police position
By ROMAN MARTYNIUK
This is in response to an article which appeared in the Courier News on Jan. 25 regarding the proposed reorganization of the Plainfield police department and the elimination of the position of chief of police.
The council or at least the four members of the seven-member council in attendance passed a resolution that proposes eliminating the office of the chief of police and creating the position of police director.
The ostensible reason for this action, according to statements made by members of the council, was purely a management decision intended to increase the level of accountability. This explanation just doesn't hold water. In fact, notwithstanding the procedural flaws wherein the council failed to notify the public of the proposed resolution, this situation is wrought with so many misrepresentations, inaccuracies and flawed assumptions that it will be difficult to address them all in one letter.
By statute (40A:14-118 aka The Chiefs Responsibility Act) the chief of police, whoever it may be, already is directly accountable at the municipal government level to what is referred to as the appropriate authority (mayor, manager, or such other appropriate executive or administrative officer, such as a full-time director of public safety) and, on a second level, through the law enforcement chain of command to the county prosecutor and the state attorney general.
That same statute clearly defines the various duties and responsibilities of a chief which includes "prescribing the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel." Reference was made to a series of disciplinary actions involving Chief Santiago. This reference is misleading at best. There is not now, nor has there ever been, any suggestion that Chief Santiago has not adequately performed his official police duties.
In fact, crime in Plainfield has decreased significantly under his leadership. The "transgressions" involve his refusal to implement changes in personnel assignments that were directed by the public safety director, even though those directives clearly infringed upon the authority granted to the chief under 40A:14-118. Failure to submit to inappropriate political interference should not be cause for disciplinary actions; to the contrary, it is an act of principle and moral courage that should be applauded.
If the public safety director wants to assume the authority of the chief either directly or through a civilian surrogate, they should apply for admission to the police academy, subject themselves to the many weeks of rigorous training, go out on the streets for 20 years to obtain law enforcement experience, and then compete for promotion against any other eligible senior law enforcement professionals -- not try to usurp the duly granted legal authority of the chief through questionable administrative manipulations.
The proposal to demote the chief and replace him with a police director would add a purely administrative position (with no law enforcement powers or authority) to the municipal payroll without adding or improving any level of management accountability. (An additional financial burden to taxpayers with absolutely no benefit.)
In the interest of full disclosure, I have met Chief Santiago in a professional capacity. We both attended a law enforcement training seminar addressing the prevention of violence in schools and again, at another training program focusing on intelligence-based policing (sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness.) It should be noted that both these professional development experiences took place subsequent to the filing of the "disciplinary" actions filed against the chief.
In a world in which local police have become increasingly involved in homeland security, anti-terror, anti-gang and emergency response missions, as well as school shooting/school safety issues, it is ever more common and necessary for local police departments to work in partnership with other federal, state, county and municipal law-enforcement agencies. Here the issues of credibility, professional courtesy and security clearances come into play; issues that strongly favor a sworn chief of police over a political appointee. Especially a chief who remains fully dedicated to fulfilling his professional responsibilities despite a disappointing lack of support from certain elected officials.
Roman Martyniuk is public information officer, New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Speaking Out [OpEd]
No basis for eliminating chief of police position
By ROMAN MARTYNIUK
This is in response to an article which appeared in the Courier News on Jan. 25 regarding the proposed reorganization of the Plainfield police department and the elimination of the position of chief of police.
The council or at least the four members of the seven-member council in attendance passed a resolution that proposes eliminating the office of the chief of police and creating the position of police director.
The ostensible reason for this action, according to statements made by members of the council, was purely a management decision intended to increase the level of accountability. This explanation just doesn't hold water. In fact, notwithstanding the procedural flaws wherein the council failed to notify the public of the proposed resolution, this situation is wrought with so many misrepresentations, inaccuracies and flawed assumptions that it will be difficult to address them all in one letter.
By statute (40A:14-118 aka The Chiefs Responsibility Act) the chief of police, whoever it may be, already is directly accountable at the municipal government level to what is referred to as the appropriate authority (mayor, manager, or such other appropriate executive or administrative officer, such as a full-time director of public safety) and, on a second level, through the law enforcement chain of command to the county prosecutor and the state attorney general.
That same statute clearly defines the various duties and responsibilities of a chief which includes "prescribing the duties and assignments of all subordinates and other personnel." Reference was made to a series of disciplinary actions involving Chief Santiago. This reference is misleading at best. There is not now, nor has there ever been, any suggestion that Chief Santiago has not adequately performed his official police duties.
In fact, crime in Plainfield has decreased significantly under his leadership. The "transgressions" involve his refusal to implement changes in personnel assignments that were directed by the public safety director, even though those directives clearly infringed upon the authority granted to the chief under 40A:14-118. Failure to submit to inappropriate political interference should not be cause for disciplinary actions; to the contrary, it is an act of principle and moral courage that should be applauded.
If the public safety director wants to assume the authority of the chief either directly or through a civilian surrogate, they should apply for admission to the police academy, subject themselves to the many weeks of rigorous training, go out on the streets for 20 years to obtain law enforcement experience, and then compete for promotion against any other eligible senior law enforcement professionals -- not try to usurp the duly granted legal authority of the chief through questionable administrative manipulations.
The proposal to demote the chief and replace him with a police director would add a purely administrative position (with no law enforcement powers or authority) to the municipal payroll without adding or improving any level of management accountability. (An additional financial burden to taxpayers with absolutely no benefit.)
In the interest of full disclosure, I have met Chief Santiago in a professional capacity. We both attended a law enforcement training seminar addressing the prevention of violence in schools and again, at another training program focusing on intelligence-based policing (sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness.) It should be noted that both these professional development experiences took place subsequent to the filing of the "disciplinary" actions filed against the chief.
In a world in which local police have become increasingly involved in homeland security, anti-terror, anti-gang and emergency response missions, as well as school shooting/school safety issues, it is ever more common and necessary for local police departments to work in partnership with other federal, state, county and municipal law-enforcement agencies. Here the issues of credibility, professional courtesy and security clearances come into play; issues that strongly favor a sworn chief of police over a political appointee. Especially a chief who remains fully dedicated to fulfilling his professional responsibilities despite a disappointing lack of support from certain elected officials.
Roman Martyniuk is public information officer, New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.
Online story here. Archived here.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Police - Courier - Summary of DCA recommendations, 2004
Published in the Courier News, August 11,2004
Plainfield Police Division:
Summary of recommendations
It is essential that ordinances be reviewed periodically as to consistency with current operations and consistency with current statutory law. The Division of Local Government Services therefore makes the following recommendations:
- Review ordinance that establishes the staffing levels of the police department.
- Review, enact/amend an ordinance that codifies and/or establishes the basic rules and regulations of the police department.
- Review and adjust the work shift schedule so that each patrol officer is not working with a 27-hour annual deficit.
- Civilianize some of the administrative positions currently performed by police officers and move the officers back to patrol.
- Continue ongoing reviews of traffic signage and ordinances within the city. Replace, remove or correct where necessary. This will lead to better and more consistent traffic enforcement. Conduct an assessment of both officer and community education. Assess state education programs and their applicability to the education of Plainfield's modern police force. Enhance existing community education programs with an emphasis toward current issues within the community.
- Replace the lieutenant's supervisory position in the traffic bureau with a sergeant.
- Revise outside employment guidelines to charge an appropriate administrative rate.
- Complete a feasibility study regarding an upgrade of the police department facilities. It is acknowledged that any renovation/expansion/building will be a capital expense. Therefore, any feasibility study must be accompanied with a short-term and long-term fiscal plan. Explore the possibility of installing a video security system in the police facilities.
- Continue to meet with and expand neighborhood watch programs and continue neighborhood education programs. Explore the feasibility of re-establishing the neighborhood watches in areas where they have been reduced or have become non-functional.
- Implement a Professional Standards Unit for staff inspection and containing the Internal Affairs Unit.
- Explore feasibility of revenue enhancement in several areas including towing, secondary employment and alarms.
- Staffing adjustments through attrition:
Source: State report of Plainfield police operations by the state Department of Community Affairs' Division of Local Government Services
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Plainfield Police Division:
Summary of recommendations
It is essential that ordinances be reviewed periodically as to consistency with current operations and consistency with current statutory law. The Division of Local Government Services therefore makes the following recommendations:
- Review ordinance that establishes the staffing levels of the police department.
- Review, enact/amend an ordinance that codifies and/or establishes the basic rules and regulations of the police department.
- Review and adjust the work shift schedule so that each patrol officer is not working with a 27-hour annual deficit.
- Civilianize some of the administrative positions currently performed by police officers and move the officers back to patrol.
- Continue ongoing reviews of traffic signage and ordinances within the city. Replace, remove or correct where necessary. This will lead to better and more consistent traffic enforcement. Conduct an assessment of both officer and community education. Assess state education programs and their applicability to the education of Plainfield's modern police force. Enhance existing community education programs with an emphasis toward current issues within the community.
- Replace the lieutenant's supervisory position in the traffic bureau with a sergeant.
- Revise outside employment guidelines to charge an appropriate administrative rate.
- Complete a feasibility study regarding an upgrade of the police department facilities. It is acknowledged that any renovation/expansion/building will be a capital expense. Therefore, any feasibility study must be accompanied with a short-term and long-term fiscal plan. Explore the possibility of installing a video security system in the police facilities.
- Continue to meet with and expand neighborhood watch programs and continue neighborhood education programs. Explore the feasibility of re-establishing the neighborhood watches in areas where they have been reduced or have become non-functional.
- Implement a Professional Standards Unit for staff inspection and containing the Internal Affairs Unit.
- Explore feasibility of revenue enhancement in several areas including towing, secondary employment and alarms.
- Staffing adjustments through attrition:
a. Recommend the reduction of the police captains ranks from seven to four.- Create a temporary task force for "Problem Oriented Policing." This task force will target certain specific areas for a cohesive concentrated effort of policing. Create a Burglary/Robbery Task Force. As current crimefighting needs of the community are identified by the administration, focus the Problem Oriented Task Force toward these identified needs.
b. Recommend the reduction of police lieutenants ranks from 10 to nine.
c. Recommend the reduction of police sergeants ranks from 25 to 23.
Source: State report of Plainfield police operations by the state Department of Community Affairs' Division of Local Government Services
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Immigrants - Daily Record - Morristown considers deputizing police
Published in the Daily Record, Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Morristown Council considers Cresitello plan to deputize police
Link to online story.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Morristown Council considers Cresitello plan to deputize police
BY MINHAJ HASSAN
DAILY RECORD
MORRISTOWN -- Mayor Donald Cresitello and town council listened Tuesday night to nearly three hours of citizen testimony on his plan to deputize town police as federal immigration agents.
More than 200 people jammed the council chambers and spilled into the hallways, offering often strong opinions for and against the mayor's plan.
Bottom line: Cresitello is sticking by his guns and proceeding with the application to deputize the police in town.
After the hours of testimony, Cresitello said, "Don't tell me we don't need to enforce immigration laws. There are thousands of people crossing the line, who are criminals."
He also vowed that "we will never, ever profile."
The mayor said he had asked ministers to open churches to help mostly Hispanic day laborers who gather on town streets seeking work.
Takes on clerics
"Not one minister has done anything significant" to address stacking, prostitution, or slavery, he said. "But they'll put the basket out to take their money," the mayor said of the church collection plates.
In the past, police investigations on criminal aliens were hampered because local police did not have enough authority to go after them.
"We did not have the authority to intervene," the mayor said. "It made it look like we didn't care."
He said near his own home there were cases of money laundering, prostitution and slavery that involve illegal aliens.
Among those rising to speak was Ruby Winston of Hillairy Avenue. She said she backs the mayor's policy. "I'm with you 100 percent, you can count on that. I did office cleaning for 20 years and lost my job to the illegals," she told the mayor and council. She also said it's not true that Americans won't do jobs that immigrants will.
Outside support
Miguel Cruz of You Don't Speak for Me, an American-Hispanic organization opposed to illegal immigration said, "It is time to recognize the severe problem that it is."
"I had 17 people living across the street (in a single residence)," said Walker Avenue resident Jamie Ramsfelder. She said she couldn't walk in the area without some of those illegal aliens making inappropriate remarks.
She added that one of the illegal immigrants had urinated in the hedges, and another was so drunk he fell asleep in the bushes and almost froze to death.
Ramsfelder's husband, Jonathan, who also supports Cresitello's proposal, said, "The only thing I'm disappointed about is that it is not law yet."
Longtime resident Bob Tracy said "Thank God they gave us a young man who had the guts (to stand up to the illegal aliens problem)," referring to Cresitello. Tracy said he was "surprised and couldn't believe" there are were so many people in the council chambers "for illegality."
His remarks prompted applause.
Resident Ralph Bacharach said, "I think it's an opportunity for Morristown to take a leadership role."
While he respects hardworking immigrants who came to make a better life for themselves and their families, "that doesn't give them the right to break the laws of this community."
John A Rucki, co-chairman of the New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control, based in Carlstadt, supported the policy. He said there are more than 600,000 illegal aliens who are either murderers or rapists, killed children or police officers in the nation.
He also blamed employers for exacerbating the problem.
"Those employers who aid or abet should get a "Go to Jail card," he said.
He pointed out that the deputization program does not enable police officers to conduct active sweeps. "That's part of the agreement."
On the other hand
Opponents of the mayor's deputization plan just about balanced the testimony supporting him.
Otto Maduro said "We will all pay very dearly if this policy is implemented. Hispanics are becoming the scapegoat."
Tom Clark-Shakir, an imam of The Islamic Clergyman Dedicated to the Leadership of W.D. Mohammed Ministry, "He's being influenced by small group of people who are turning him into a wicked man. It is a Gestapo tactic. Hitler started the same way."
Town resident David Silva said the program "is not a good measure for Morristown. I don't want to live in a place that's prejudiced."
He added that taking such a position ignores the positive contributions the immigrant community has made in Morristown.
Resident Tony Garcia said the program "directly targets the increasingly dominant Hispanic community and other minorities."
Intent of program
Town lawyers said the deputization program, formally known as 287-G, is intended for local law enforcement agencies to address the issue of criminal aliens.
Under the plan, up to 10 police officers would go through about five weeks of training from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that would enable them to enforce immigration laws.
Councilman Timothy Jackson asked whether the program would give police officers the ability to "supersede" probable cause when going after illegal immigrants.
The lawyers said no.
Councilman John Cryan asked that if a police officer stopped an illegal alien for jaywalking, could that officer then check their citizenship status.
Lawyers said that in theory, they could.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minhaj Hassan can be reached at (973) 267-9038 or mhassan@gannett.com.
THIRTY THREE COMMENTS
Reader Comment Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:21 pm
I have lived in the Dover area for 30 years now and have watched a once beautiful town turn dirty, grimy, and over crowded. I can only hope Dover adopts the same policy. I loath the part of my day when I have to drive thru Dover if it’s not a cab who cuts you off its someone jay walking right in the middle of rt. 46. And the cause of this is illegal immigrants. They come from 3rd world countries and bring there way of life here. All that garbage about how they do the job the Americans wont is a big fat lie. My brother who lives in L.A. is a painter who at one point made good money and employed legal Americans now has to work for less or lose his jobs because illegals will do it for cheaper. When I was in high school and college in the summer and some during the school year I did landscaping. That’s what young kids used to do. Now they can’t because of some illegal doing it cheaper. How many landscapers, dishwashers, cleaning people do we need? What do you do when all those jobs are filled?????? And I love the line America was built with immigrants so it should be today is garbage. Just cause something worked years ago doesn’t mean it will work today. That worked because people were needed. I don’t need 20 people wanting to mow my lawn I can do it myself. If you still believe illegal immigrants are doing such great things for our country take a walk in Morristown or Dover and can you really say that this place is better and safe? On every corner there is someone hanging out doing nothing. Don’t we have loitering laws? Who wants to see that? Please every town should have there officers do this!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a night Wed Mar 28, 2007 4:21 pm
I hope that the people of Morris County and The United States wake up. Last nights' display of support for Illegal Immigration was astounding. If this is not a call for action, I know not of any other. Over this past weekend the supporters actually flew Mexican flags at the rally. I didn't see any last night, but it wouldn't of surprised me. It's time to wake up Morris County. It is time to wake up America. Join with other like-minded citizens and cause change. Thank you Mayor. You are a true American. It is people such as yourself that are the catalyst for change.
Reader Comment Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:44 pm
SIMPLY PUT, WHAT THE MAYOR OF MORRISTOWN IS DOING BY WAY OF ADDING 'LIMITED INS ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITIES" TO THE MORRISTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT IS COMMENDABLE AND LONG OVER-DUE EVERYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
ALL MORRIS COUNTY AND FOR THAT MATTER ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY (AT THE MINIMUM) SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO QUALIFIED AS WELL!
THOSE INDIVIDUAL'S CLAIMING TO REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY HAVE THE MENDACITY TO ACCUSE DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OF BLATANT AND RACIST ACTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO ENFORCING THE LAWS "OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE" (AND BY THE WAY, "THE PEOPLE" ARE "THE CITIZENS" OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA).
WEBSTER'S NINETH NEW COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY DEFINES THE WORD "ILLEGAL" AS, 1 : "NOT ACCORDING TO OR AUTHORIZED BY LAW", 2 : "AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT".
IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE PROTESTERS DELIBERATELY AND POSSIBLY FOR THEIR OWN SELF-INTEREST DO CONVENIENTLY IGNOR, FORGET, HIDE, DODGE, AND FOG THE FACT THAT "ILLEGAL" IS "ILLEGAL".
WEBSTER'S ALSO DEFINES THE WORD "RACISM" AS, "1 : A BELIEF THAT RACE IS THE PRIMARY DETERMINANT OF HUMAN TRAITS AND CAPACITIES AND THAT RACIAL DIFFERENCES PRODUCE AN INHERENT SUPERIORITY IN A PARTICULAR RACE 2 : RACIAL PREJUDICE OR DISCRIMINATION".
CLAIMS OF RACISM HAVE NO PART IN THE EQUATION OF "ENFORCING THE PEOPLES LAWS". THOSE THAT USE THE "RACE TRUMP CARD" DO SO FOR THEIR OWN MISGUIDED (OR MAYBE DELIBERATE) INFLAMATORY PURPOSES (MOST LIKELY FOR THE SELF-GRATIFICATION THEY FEEL WHEN THEY SEE THEIR PICTURE OR READ THEIR NAME AND COMMENTS IN THE NEWSPAPER OR BETTER YET ON THE TV NEWS BROADCAST COVERAGE OF THE "PROTESTS".
WHAT THE "RACE BAITER" DOES NOT REALIZE IS THAT HIS OR HER VERY ACTIONS ARE AN EXPRESSION OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL RACISM.
FACT: THE MORRISTOWN POLICE ARE "OBLIGATED BY PERSONAL OATH" TO ENFORCE ALL LAWS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, AND THEREFORE, THE PROTESTS OF RACE DISCRIMINATION ARE NOT A FACTOR WHEN THE LAW(S) IS (ARE) BROKEN BY HUMAN BEINGS.
FACT: A HUMAN BEING ILLEGALLY ENTERING AND RESIDING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS AT THE END OF THE DAY, AND AFTER ALL THE DEBATE HAS ENDED, IS STILL RESIDING IN THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.
THE "PEOPLE" HAVE EMPOWERED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO APPREHEND INDIVIDUALS ENTERING AND RESIDING IN OUR COUNTRY ILLEGALLY AND RETURN THEM TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
IMMIGRANTS HAVE FOR CENTURIES LEGALLY ENTERED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND MANY HAVE DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A CITIZEN, LIVE HERE LEGALLY, AND RAISE A FAMILY OF NEW CITIZENS.
THEREFORE, ALLOWING ILLEGALS (OF ANY ETHNIC ORIGIN) TO ENTER AND RESIDE IN OUR COUNTRY DOES A GREAT DISSERVICE TO ALL THE IMMIGRANTS THAT FOLLOWED THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND EVENTUALLY BECAME A CITIZEN!!
SO DON'T FAULT THE "ELECTED" MAYOR OF MORRISTOWN FOR ENFORCING THE LAWS HE TOOK AN OATH OF OFFICE TO UPHOLD AND ENFORCE. AND WHEN ALL THE DUST HAS SETTLED REMEMBER THIS FACT: "ILLEGAL IS STILL ILLEGAL."
Mayor's initiative Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:20 pm
First of all, if people are really trying to make the case that this is not a racist initiative then calling all hispanic immigrant, legal or not, cockroaches isn't really going do it. It ridiculous to assume that all immigrants are rapist, theives, or murderers. There is good and bad in every group. Might I remind you of the KKK, the oklahoma city bombing, etc. There are also non-immigrant rapist, theives, and murderers. There are many immigrants that contribute to our community and our country and people that say that they are cockroaches set our country back to a time of pure racism and ideas of racial supremacy. I don't believe that all white people are racist. But the ones that make comments like those are the bad apples that make many people believe that all white people are racist.
Furthermore, the initiative that the mayor is trying to enact is meant to deport nondocumented immigrants that commit federal crimes. I don't see anything wrong with that part. BUT he keeps saying that he wants to use it to crack down on stacking and on the daylaborers that stand on street corners. So already he is planning on using the ICE initiative illegaly. I was at the coucil meeting last night. And as one of the residents that is in favor of mayor cresitelo's plan said, "two wrongs don't make a right"
Grammer & Spell Check Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:13 pm
Thank God we only have to learn the English language and not learn spelling or grammar. 90% of the posters here would be thrown out if that were the case.
Can we give an English test to the people born here too? Think of how many people we can get rid of with this one. I can see it now. Good vs. Well. Accept vs. Except. Either vs. Neither. Farther vs. Further. My favorite: Literally vs. Figuratively. We can nail 90% on that last one.
Real Americans, as these immigrants would know if they had made any attempts to assimilate, stay home and write to their congressman or yell things at the TV.
One more thing... We don't want your words (Spanish, German, Italian et cetera) to be used in OUR language. So take back kindergarten, faux pas, pro bono et cetera. Wait. I want aqua and ajar. Agua is fun to say, and my Japanese car announces the later each time I leave the door open when I drive.
Only the President has the right to break the law in the USA.
Reader Comment Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:51 pm
What is more disgusting then these dirtbag spanish illegal immigrants is the people that stick up for them! They receive all types of free goverment handouts.What about our people white americans that are here legally that cannot afford health care or feed their children.What about our seniors?They cant get welfare but these scum spanish do! They are NOT humans! They are uneducated pieces of crap!
emiral1126:
You said about 95 percent of the people in newark were asian and european well thats cause they have respect for America.They want a better life and are doing it the correct way.They dont get handouts,they don't sit around on welfare having 5-6 kids,they don't sell drugs to our children,they dont demand to have stuff writing intheir lanuage! The spanish illegals and legals want everything catered to them.
You go to walmart or sears and everything is writing in english and spanish ! That is plain bull crap. If they dont want to learn the lanugage then get the heck out! Even when you make phone calls press 1 for english or 2 for spanish! What give me a break.
Hate to say it but this is what you call "THE BROWNING OF AMERICA"!
If I went to Mexico or South America do you think I would be giving the same free handouts that they get here?Do you think they would put signs in English and Spanish? I think not.The majority of our prisions are spanish illegal immigrants. They are there for rape,murder,drugs,theft,gangs.
These dirtbags should be banned from breeding.
Go to the streets of Dover if your a female and tell me if you feel comfortable walking down the street by yourself!
ONE COUNTRY
ONE FLAG
ONE LANUAGE!!!!!!!!!
Link to online story.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Gangs - Bergen Record - Report: Cops hype gangs to score funding
Published in the Bergen Record, Thursday, July 19, 2007
Report: Police hype gangs to score funding
By CAROLYN SALAZAR and JASON TSAI
STAFF WRITERS
Street gang membership is dropping nationwide, but a Washington think tank says law enforcement is exaggerating the problem in order to cash in on government grants.
In a report released Wednesday, the Justice Policy Institute says many of the gang units it studied were established more to obtain funding than to address a growing crime problem. The units are largely ineffectual and strengthen gang activity instead of reducing it, the institute says.
"Gang units were formed in response to political, public and media pressure," the report says. "Almost no one other than the gang unit officers themselves" consider the response effective, it says.
State and local authorities blasted the "Gang Wars" report, noting that the institute didn't study New Jersey specifically.
"Maybe nationally they're not on the rise," said State Police Sgt. Ronnie Hampton. "But, truly, I think I can speak for New Jersey in that we have not reached any type of plateau."
Governor Corzine, U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie and Attorney General Anne Milgram have made combating gangs a priority, warning that the violence associated with them is increasing statewide.
Last month, State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes said 45 percent of New Jersey's nearly 600 police agencies surveyed recently reported gang activity within their jurisdictions. Soon after, federal and state authorities conducted a series of separate raids in North Jersey that netted dozens of reputed gang members.
Sen. Robert Menendez took up the cause in March, introducing federal legislation that would give communities more money to fight gangs.
Confusion over criteria
Teaneck recently approved hiring five more officers to form an anti-gang unit. Police are seeking $500,000 in funding for the initiative, making them one of several departments that are looking to tap state and federal grants.
"We're definitely seeing an increase in gang activity over the years," Teaneck Police Chief Paul Tiernan said Wednesday. "But we realize that we're not going to arrest our way out of the problem. We're also doing a lot of outreach efforts and prevention efforts."
Retired Teaneck Officer Fred Greene said he, for one, isn't convinced.
"They are hyping the gang problem," said Greene, who attended a recent gang presentation in town. "It really has to do with getting more equipment and manpower than having an actual problem."
Some of the differences in opinion may be found in the criteria.
Last year, a 15-year-old was killed in Teaneck by a teenager who was originally identified by police as a suspected gang member. However, Bergen County prosecutors later said they found no evidence that the convicted shooter had been involved in a gang.
Under state guidelines, someone can be categorized as a gang member simply by claiming to be one. There are other criteria, including having gang tattoos, clothing or colors, using hand symbols or other "identifiers," or being seen in the company of four or more identified gang members.
Making it worse
Sgt. George Rosario of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said the criteria serve a purpose.
"I see those wannabes as soon-to-bes," said Rosario, who heads the gang suppression unit. "They're practicing something regarding gangs, so they must be looking to get into gangs."
Youth crime in the United States is at its lowest levels in three decades and gangs are responsible for a relatively small share of crime, statistics show. According to a national Justice Department survey of police departments, gang membership declined from 850,000 in 1996 to 760,000 in 2004.
The authors of the report released Wednesday said politicians and law enforcement officials have sought immediate answers to occasional outbursts of violence, rather than seek funding for social programs. While a city like New York has drastically reduced its gang problems through longtime street-level social work and job training, among other measures, a get-tough approach in Los Angeles has made it "the gang capital of the world," one of them said.
'You can't turn a blind eye'
Elmwood Park Police Chief Don Ingrasselino said he's clearly seen a spike in the number of people identified as members of a major gang, such as the Latin Kings and Bloods. In his town, a suspected Latin Kings member shot a friend during an argument two years ago. Months earlier, a fight in Lodi that was clearly gang-related left one person dead and several others injured.
"You can't turn a blind eye and put your head in the sand and say there is no gang presence -- because there is," Ingrasselino said. "We are trying to get the word out so people are aware what to look for so they can stop it. It's like cancer: You don't want to address it when it becomes fatal. You want to attack it early so it won't get worse."
In nearby Paterson, police say a dozen-member gang unit is kept plenty busy.
"We have a gang problem here, most definitely," said Lt. Anthony Traina. "We see it in their presence in many assaults and robberies."
Like several of his counterparts, Traina questioned the claim that funding is the primary objective.
"Whether [gang crime] is increasing or not, police need the resources," he said.
Staff Writer Adrienne Lu contributed to this article. E-mail: salazar@northjersey.com and tsai@northjersey.com.
Link to online story.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Report: Police hype gangs to score funding
By CAROLYN SALAZAR and JASON TSAI
STAFF WRITERS
Street gang membership is dropping nationwide, but a Washington think tank says law enforcement is exaggerating the problem in order to cash in on government grants.
In a report released Wednesday, the Justice Policy Institute says many of the gang units it studied were established more to obtain funding than to address a growing crime problem. The units are largely ineffectual and strengthen gang activity instead of reducing it, the institute says.
"Gang units were formed in response to political, public and media pressure," the report says. "Almost no one other than the gang unit officers themselves" consider the response effective, it says.
State and local authorities blasted the "Gang Wars" report, noting that the institute didn't study New Jersey specifically.
"Maybe nationally they're not on the rise," said State Police Sgt. Ronnie Hampton. "But, truly, I think I can speak for New Jersey in that we have not reached any type of plateau."
Governor Corzine, U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie and Attorney General Anne Milgram have made combating gangs a priority, warning that the violence associated with them is increasing statewide.
Last month, State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes said 45 percent of New Jersey's nearly 600 police agencies surveyed recently reported gang activity within their jurisdictions. Soon after, federal and state authorities conducted a series of separate raids in North Jersey that netted dozens of reputed gang members.
Sen. Robert Menendez took up the cause in March, introducing federal legislation that would give communities more money to fight gangs.
Confusion over criteria
Teaneck recently approved hiring five more officers to form an anti-gang unit. Police are seeking $500,000 in funding for the initiative, making them one of several departments that are looking to tap state and federal grants.
"We're definitely seeing an increase in gang activity over the years," Teaneck Police Chief Paul Tiernan said Wednesday. "But we realize that we're not going to arrest our way out of the problem. We're also doing a lot of outreach efforts and prevention efforts."
Retired Teaneck Officer Fred Greene said he, for one, isn't convinced.
"They are hyping the gang problem," said Greene, who attended a recent gang presentation in town. "It really has to do with getting more equipment and manpower than having an actual problem."
Some of the differences in opinion may be found in the criteria.
Last year, a 15-year-old was killed in Teaneck by a teenager who was originally identified by police as a suspected gang member. However, Bergen County prosecutors later said they found no evidence that the convicted shooter had been involved in a gang.
Under state guidelines, someone can be categorized as a gang member simply by claiming to be one. There are other criteria, including having gang tattoos, clothing or colors, using hand symbols or other "identifiers," or being seen in the company of four or more identified gang members.
Making it worse
Sgt. George Rosario of the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said the criteria serve a purpose.
"I see those wannabes as soon-to-bes," said Rosario, who heads the gang suppression unit. "They're practicing something regarding gangs, so they must be looking to get into gangs."
Youth crime in the United States is at its lowest levels in three decades and gangs are responsible for a relatively small share of crime, statistics show. According to a national Justice Department survey of police departments, gang membership declined from 850,000 in 1996 to 760,000 in 2004.
The authors of the report released Wednesday said politicians and law enforcement officials have sought immediate answers to occasional outbursts of violence, rather than seek funding for social programs. While a city like New York has drastically reduced its gang problems through longtime street-level social work and job training, among other measures, a get-tough approach in Los Angeles has made it "the gang capital of the world," one of them said.
'You can't turn a blind eye'
Elmwood Park Police Chief Don Ingrasselino said he's clearly seen a spike in the number of people identified as members of a major gang, such as the Latin Kings and Bloods. In his town, a suspected Latin Kings member shot a friend during an argument two years ago. Months earlier, a fight in Lodi that was clearly gang-related left one person dead and several others injured.
"You can't turn a blind eye and put your head in the sand and say there is no gang presence -- because there is," Ingrasselino said. "We are trying to get the word out so people are aware what to look for so they can stop it. It's like cancer: You don't want to address it when it becomes fatal. You want to attack it early so it won't get worse."
In nearby Paterson, police say a dozen-member gang unit is kept plenty busy.
"We have a gang problem here, most definitely," said Lt. Anthony Traina. "We see it in their presence in many assaults and robberies."
Like several of his counterparts, Traina questioned the claim that funding is the primary objective.
"Whether [gang crime] is increasing or not, police need the resources," he said.
RELATED LINKS
Read the report
http://www.justicepolicy.org/reports_jl/7-10-07_gangs/report.htm
Justice Policy Institute
http://www.justicepolicy.org/
* * *
Where's the problem?
Anti-gang programs in 17 jurisdictions nationwide failed more often than they succeeded, a study by the Justice Policy Institute found. Other findings:
• There are fewer gang members across the country today than a decade ago.
• Gangs account for a small percentage of crime in most areas.
• Gangs don't dominate or drive the drug trade.
• Police gang units are usually created more to obtain funding than to fight gangs.
* * *
Looking for a sign
Someone who claims to be a gang member in New Jersey is automatically categorized as one, under state guidelines. Otherwise, they must meet at least three of the following criteria:
• Identified as a gang member by a parent or guardian.
• Identified by a reliable informant or document.
• Bearing gang tattoos, clothing or colors.
• Using hand symbols or other gang "identifiers."
• Writing in letters or correspondence about being in a gang.
• Being arrested in the company of other identified gang members.
• Being observed in the company of four or more identified gang members.
Source: N.J. State Police
Staff Writer Adrienne Lu contributed to this article. E-mail: salazar@northjersey.com and tsai@northjersey.com.
Link to online story.
(Note: Online stories may be taken down by their publisher after a period of time or made available for a fee. Links posted here is from the original online publication of this piece.)
(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff and Clippings have no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of these articles nor are Plainfield Today, Plainfield Stuff or Clippings endorsed or sponsored by the originator.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)