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.)
Showing posts with label Santiago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santiago. Show all posts
Friday, March 07, 2008
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.)
Asm Jerry Green - Legislature - Bill to make police chiefs contractual - Ledger
Published in the Star Ledger, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Lawmaker wants way to remove top cops
Plainfield's Santiago appears to be target
BY JULIA M. SCOTT
Star-Ledger Staff
A month after his political ally put Plainfield Police Chief Edward Santiago on administrative leave, Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced a bill that would make it easier to remove a sitting police commander.
The bill would make top cops employees with a three- to five-year contract instead of tenured workers. It creates a 12-member state commission to determine if a chief was "satisfactorily performing his duties" near the end of the contract. Those who don't meet the cut could be demoted to a lower rank but would not lose their job, Green said.
The state needs to weed out tenured employees who are performing "unsatisfactorily," starting with police chiefs, Green said. He introduced the six-page bill Monday.
"You can't just go after Santiago, you have to say this system in place is not working," said Green, whose district includes Plainfield. "There is no check and balance when it comes down to the police departments in New Jersey."
The bill comes on the heels of a court fight to reinstate Santiago, whom Mayor Sharon Robinson- Briggs put on paid administrative leave four weeks ago because she does not want her criticism of the department to land her a role in a lawsuit Santiago filed in 2005.
Santiago sued the city in August, claiming his reputation was tarnished after former safety director Michael Lattimore suspended him for a day.
In court Friday, a judge refused to immediately allow Santiago to return, instead putting off a decision until the end of the month.
Santiago's lawyer, Todd Shea of Westfield, declined to comment because he has not seen the bill. Shea added, "I can say Plainfield violated the law in place at the time they put him on leave."
The bill takes "all the politics" out of the process, because an outside commission decides the fate of chiefs, said Green, an adviser to Robinson-Briggs who helped her win the mayoral seat.
Not so, according to Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The bill would oppose a law from the early 1980s that made the chief's position tenured, insulating them from capricious politicians.
"If the police chief was doing something the politicians didn't like, they couldn't simply be removed because they annoyed elected officials," Sklar said. "It happened often enough to enact a law to put a stop to that."
Sklar pointed out the current system of checks and balances. Municipal police chiefs answer to the county prosecutor, who answers to the attorney general.
The 12-member evaluation commission would fall under the department of law and public safety and include union leaders, police association leaders, two people appointed by the governor, and others.
As chair of the housing and local government committee, Green said, he hears many municipalities complain about incompetent police commanders.
"The majority of them feel at a disadvantage because once these chiefs are appointed, they can basically not be removed unless they almost commit murder," Green said.
Julia M. Scott covers Plainfield. She may be reached at jscott@star ledger.com or (908) 302-1505.
(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.)
Lawmaker wants way to remove top cops
Plainfield's Santiago appears to be target
BY JULIA M. SCOTT
Star-Ledger Staff
A month after his political ally put Plainfield Police Chief Edward Santiago on administrative leave, Assemblyman Jerry Green introduced a bill that would make it easier to remove a sitting police commander.
The bill would make top cops employees with a three- to five-year contract instead of tenured workers. It creates a 12-member state commission to determine if a chief was "satisfactorily performing his duties" near the end of the contract. Those who don't meet the cut could be demoted to a lower rank but would not lose their job, Green said.
The state needs to weed out tenured employees who are performing "unsatisfactorily," starting with police chiefs, Green said. He introduced the six-page bill Monday.
"You can't just go after Santiago, you have to say this system in place is not working," said Green, whose district includes Plainfield. "There is no check and balance when it comes down to the police departments in New Jersey."
The bill comes on the heels of a court fight to reinstate Santiago, whom Mayor Sharon Robinson- Briggs put on paid administrative leave four weeks ago because she does not want her criticism of the department to land her a role in a lawsuit Santiago filed in 2005.
Santiago sued the city in August, claiming his reputation was tarnished after former safety director Michael Lattimore suspended him for a day.
In court Friday, a judge refused to immediately allow Santiago to return, instead putting off a decision until the end of the month.
Santiago's lawyer, Todd Shea of Westfield, declined to comment because he has not seen the bill. Shea added, "I can say Plainfield violated the law in place at the time they put him on leave."
The bill takes "all the politics" out of the process, because an outside commission decides the fate of chiefs, said Green, an adviser to Robinson-Briggs who helped her win the mayoral seat.
Not so, according to Mitchell Sklar, executive director of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The bill would oppose a law from the early 1980s that made the chief's position tenured, insulating them from capricious politicians.
"If the police chief was doing something the politicians didn't like, they couldn't simply be removed because they annoyed elected officials," Sklar said. "It happened often enough to enact a law to put a stop to that."
Sklar pointed out the current system of checks and balances. Municipal police chiefs answer to the county prosecutor, who answers to the attorney general.
The 12-member evaluation commission would fall under the department of law and public safety and include union leaders, police association leaders, two people appointed by the governor, and others.
As chair of the housing and local government committee, Green said, he hears many municipalities complain about incompetent police commanders.
"The majority of them feel at a disadvantage because once these chiefs are appointed, they can basically not be removed unless they almost commit murder," Green said.
Julia M. Scott covers Plainfield. She may be reached at jscott@star ledger.com or (908) 302-1505.
(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.)
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