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A City Council resolution in support of the Police Division failed Monday after two members disputed wording that an investigation had been handled "in a fair & objective manner."Councilwoman Gloria Taylor said, "You must listen to this community and get feedback."
After supporters of Lt. Ken Reid complained about punishment he faced in an internal police investigation, Taylor on March 14 called for a council investigation of the "procedures and culture" of the Police Division and received unanimous support. On Friday, council members were briefed on the matter by the Union County Prosecutor's Office and Mayor Adrian O. Mapp called the special meeting in effect to reverse the March 14 action.
On Monday, a two-hour presentation showed many innovations and improvements the Police Division has achieved under Director Carl Riley, but in public comment Reid supporters again cried foul, even though the exact nature of the infraction has never been made public. The vote to support the police and wait for an accreditation process to be completed failed 3-1-1, with council members Barry Goode, Rebecca Williams and Council President Cory Storch voting "yes," Taylor voting "no" and Councilwoman Diane Toliver abstaining. Councilwomen Tracey Brown and Rivers were absent. Lacking four votes in favor, the resolution failed.
On March 14, Taylor had said to Riley, "I don't want to put our esteemed director on notice, but I have a problem when I hear it's not just this case," adding Reid was the "third African-American in three years' time to be brought up on charges."
On Monday, Mapp countered Taylor's allegation of racial discrimination by saying five officers had faced discipline in the Reid case, three being white and two black.
In his remarks, Riley said discipline is expected and happens even to the most dedicated officers. He referred to a "disheartening remark" on March 14 and said "inaccurate information was publicly disseminated."
Riley said any disciplinary action taken against any officer has nothing to do with race or religion.
"I'm asking the City Council not to waste important tax payer money on an investigation that is not warranted," he said.
The public also heard from retired Chief Edward Santiago, who described the official channels available for police officers to appeal any charges. Reid's supporters have held rallies, prayed in from of Municipal Court and thronged council meetings, all while the charges he is facing remain undisclosed by law enforcement officials due to their investigation.
Former Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs came to the microphone to speak in support of Reid while carrying a basket of candy, her trademark while in office for two terms before losing a third-term bid to Mapp. She called Reid, her former bodyguard, a blend of "spirituality and law enforcement." In all, 15 people spoke in public comment, many still calling for Reid to be excused.
Resident Alan Goldstein said he had no idea what Reid was charged with.
"The amount of hypocrisy I have heard tonight is unbelievable," he said, noting praise for the Police Division was mingled with distrust. He questioned how a police officer could go to friends and incite them to disrupt the the process of an investigation. Suggesting people should just let the process continue with the Union County prosecutor and whatever liability there might be, he said, "Everyone in this room will have egg on their face one way or the other."
--Bernice
If Reid is so keen on having anyone and everyone making a scene for HIM ( not anyone else involved, JUST him ) and have throngs of people crying unfair and racism..... Tell everyone what you did. He hasn't denied he did anything wrong, he's claiming the punishment is unfair. So tell everyone publicly what it is you did since you're so dead set on being a martyr and a poster boy for unfairness. On a side note, having Sharon Robinson Briggs, the woman you used to pickup laundry for as an on duty police officer, beating the drum of support for you, not exactly the pinnacle of bright ideas.
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely a bias profiling problem in Plainfield police department. Case and point. If two or more black men stand on Park ave and are engaged in a civil conversation. They are made uncomfortable by the police stare downs and commands to keep moving. Mean while other ethnic groups are allowed to gather in large numbers and there's no problem. There is a freedom of assembly right under the constitution. But then again there's also the Dred Scott decision. Mr.X
ReplyDeleteYou must have intended to post this to some other blog post as the topic isn't about Plainfield Police profiling.
DeleteI do find it interesting that you have a somewhat specific reference to "two or more black men" on Park Ave and then go all Donald Trump with a vague "other ethnic groups are allowed to gather in large numbers" remark.
Specifics help - but I would post them to a blog related to that topic - not one about a cop that got caught doing something wrong and doesn't want to be punished.
Were to start? Gloria Taylor advocated for the community because of the lack of trust they have with the police division. In the past 3 meetings, nobody other than Reid supporters (friends,family, clergy and many non-residents) have voiced their displeasure with the police department. And, nobody has expressed a lack of trust with the department; they only have questioned the punishment of a friend. They don't even have accurate or even true facts (he is only facing demotion; there is no 6 months suspension and no loss of benefits as claimed).
ReplyDeletePeople should truly ask who initiated this investigation (it was not the Plainfield Police Division) on this non-minor incident that happened while Kenny was boss.
The former mayor spoke on behalf of her friend and mentioned making promotions the former council tried to block which was one of her last acts as Mayor. She failed to mention during that round of promotions, the police department only needed 2 lieutenants and could possibly justify 3 but she promoted 8 lieutenants leaving the department short sergeants and top heavy with lieutenants. Would anyone know who #8 on the list.... you guessed it, Reid. He was actually the lowest scoring and last officer on that list for lieutenant.
Ironically, many years earlier, the same thing happened to promote him to sergeant. Of course, not by the former Mayor.
Ms. Gonzalez noted in her comment that there was no support like this for Former Chief Santiago when he was being demoted to Captain. She didn't mention that Santiago wasn't facing discipline and the motive to demote was the former Mayor returing favors for friends who supported her election campaign.
Bottom line is nobody how good of a presentation was done, certain council members want to use their position to back door the investigation of Reid.
LOOK PLAINFIELD POLICE THE COUNCIL DOESN'T SUPPORT YOU ISN'T THAT SWEET. BUT KNOW THIS PEOPLE OUT THERE DO AND I'M ONE OF THEM BE SAFE
ReplyDeleteWhat a joke - and a bunch of hypocrites. So, Gloria, if Sharon had suggested to let the police take its course, would you have voted against it? And what's with Toliver and abstaining. Great- we have a councilor who either has no clue what the issues are - or no backbone to do the right thing. Either way, yet again, the people in her ward are not represented.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to put Gloria on notice that she is out. She is toxic for Plainfield - insinuating racial bias where there is none.
Gloria, there are three white officers and two black officers. Happy?
Everybody knew presented would be this fluffed up report about how wonderful the police department is under Riley.Riley has done a decent job,but there is still work that needs to be done. The truth is a lot of the violence is gone because of the work that SRB did with the gang situation, she initiated a truce which is still in effect today. I know that because I still walk the streets and talk to gang members helping them turn their life around.I don't care what percentage of Black Law Enforcement make up the PD., there is still systematic racism towards Black Cops, and Riley turns the other way.This is not new. I used to listen to stories about how Black officers were treated by my late friend Steve Jordan, and it still goes on today.Trust me Ken Reid Supporters know exactly what his infraction was, they are simply saying the punishment does not fit the crime.If the PD. is doing such a great job how come they FEAR an investigation? If anything they should welcome one to prove as Doc would say "All is well in OZ", but we know that is not the case, well some of us know.If Riley was truly interested in saving the taxpayers money he would stop trying to convince the public that those expensive toys are needed for public safety. and the mayor would turn in the city issued car he drives to his job in orange everyday, how much gas, and car repairs are on tax payers money.Lt. Craig Venson has a history of getting other officers in trouble, and will do anything to advance his career.Bring on the investigation so the Public and see how wonderful our PD. really is. Why fear it, embrace it. Lee Evans
ReplyDeleteMr. Evans, your statement that Lt. Venson has a history of getting other officers in trouble, would mean that the "other officers" had no minds of their own. (Really) Lt. Venson would be like the pied piper of Plainfield. (LOL) No, I believe those "other officers" made the decisions on their own to break the law.
DeleteIf people would only take responsibility for there own actions and stop pointing their finger at someone else, that would be called accountability and we couldn't have that, right?
If officers (regardless of race/rank) are committing illegal acts and are being caught, that would mean the system is working.
Lee Evans go take a seat!
Lt. Venson had nothing to do with Lt. Reid's charges since Lt. Venson is not in Internal Affairs.
DeleteLee - your posts rarely make sense, but at least get some facts straight.
Also, if Sharon's sit-down with criminal gang members really worked, why do you still walk the streets and talk to gang members to help them turn their lives around? I guess that truce didn't include not doing gang stuff. Strange "win".
I agree with Anon above. Lee Evans go take a seat.
Taylor's on her way out so she can throw stones. The 2 running, Brown?, absent, Rivers?, absent, Diane (When can we get raises?) Toliver? I abstain!Pathetic.
ReplyDeleteGloria...exit stage right!
DeleteCarl
Toliver is going to set some sort of record with all these abstentions. Does she just not fully understand the issues or does she just not feel they are worthy of a vote? Those are usually the reasons for abstaining. If she has a personal connection then she should recuse herself and step away for the dais until after the topic is completed.
ReplyDeleteEither way - the number of abstensions from her should bother her constituents as they aren't being represented very well.
I AM GOING TO ABSTAIN FROM MY ORIGINAL ABSTENSIONS SO I CAN ABSTAIN WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT I ABSTAINED MY ABSTENSION'S
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU
We are dealing with people who will still do what Sharon or Jerry tell them to do. They are spineless people who do not represent their constituents well and who have missed the point that the people of tired of Sharon, Jerry and their ilk. Thank God these people are out. We don't need a wind bag to try to straddle the fence be two faced, we need good governance.
ReplyDeleteBernice, your blogs are always a journalists dream, but you have outdone yourself on this one. It is complete, unbiased, and anyone not attending can understand the presentation (except Diane Toliver - sorry but I had to say it!)
ReplyDeleteWe are so very lucky to have you.
Diane Toliver abstained from reading this blog post.
Deletehahaha!
DeleteTo suggest that gang members are holding on to a truce arranged by SRB is naive and unrealistic. The reality is the Police Director is experience, intelligent and prepared to combat crime in a manner that yields results. I don’t know officer Reid on a personal level other than the fact he was Robinson-Briggs body guard but whenever our paths did cross he always seemed pleasant enough. My issues isn’t about him, it’s about the way Councilor Taylor went in on a 30 minute tirade at the March 14 council meeting . She continually insults Director Riley, the Mayor and our residents that are non-black. Taylor’s race baiting tactics, intimidation and insinuations have not gone unnoticed by the public. I would like to know who Taylor believes she can hire with tax payer dollars to investigate the police department? If she or anyone else believe they have justifiable evidence of any imparities or racial profiling within our Police department then Taylor should state her case to the attorney general’s office and allow them to launch an investigation, if one is warranted.
ReplyDeleteIt is time for Taylor, Robinson-Briggs, the Campbells and the Dunns to have a seat and let progress prevail, this group of takers and users should not continue to be allowed to hurt Plainfield, our residents and most importantly, our school system. Plainfield will never truly progress until two things change, a city council that is not controlled or influence by Gerry Green and drastic improvements in our school system, starting with new leadership on April 19.
April.
Amen!! I too am tired of the "takers and users" in Plainfield, they only care about themselves and their "friends".
Delete"It is time for Taylor, Robinson-Briggs, the Campbells and the Dunns to have a seat and let progress prevail"
Heaven forbid that Plainfield move forward and improve the lives of all it's residents!!
Jan
Thank you April!
ReplyDeleteWell, Well, Well, here we go again. The circus is back in town. This time, they decided to take the Lt. Reid show on the road and put the tent up at the Senior Citizens Center. The tent was almost filled to capacity, but I missed out on the popcorn and peanuts.
ReplyDeleteIt was reported last week, that the police department met with each city council member to provide them with addition details, concerning the internal investigation of Lt. Reid, which by the way they did not have to do. At this point, I can only assume that this was done to dispel some of the outrageous rumor and allegations that were being made, not only by the Lt. Reid supporters, but members of the city council as well. (WHAT A SHAME)
Last night, Director Riley and his command staff, put on an awesome presentation showing the progress made by the police over the past years and what was ahead for the future. (Kudos to you Director Riley and your staff / Double Thumbs Up!)
With all the facts that they could legally give the council and the transparency shown last night by the police department, like a old stubborn mule, Chairwoman Gloria Taylor still refused to budge.
Isn't it funny, or maybe not, that Ms. Taylor's cries of a police cover-up, did not surface until one of her and ex-mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs "favorite sons" got a spanking for failing to supervise his officers.
At least three of the council members (C. Storch, B. Goode & R. Williams) voted yes to the resolution in support of the police, while Diane Toliver decided to abstain. (DUH) Two council members B. Rivers & T. Brown decided not to show at all. (Hmmm) Unless you had some type of emergency (which there could have been), then what a dis-service to the community of which you are suppose to be serving. Something of this magnitude that has been the focal point of at least the last three council meetings and you chose not to show. If the addition facts presented to you caused you to change your positions, then show up and speak, don't hide. Don't be like Lt. Reid and not come to the microphone. Both of you spoke at the last meeting, why not this important one??? Was the heat too much for you??? Did you think by voting to support the police, that you would lose face with the Reid supporters??? I think the community of Plainfield deserves better, don't you?
I close with this last thought on Gloria Taylor. I truly believe that no matter what "FACTS" are presented, she will not change her mind. Rather then allow this incident to go through the legal process, which has been in place for YEARS, she wants the city to bypass the system and intervene on Lt. Reid's behalf. Well if we are going to bypass the system for Reid, isn't it only fair that we also bypass the system for the other officers involved? I mean "Fair Is Fair". Isn't that right Sharon, oops I meant Gloria.
If Gloria Taylor and Diane Toliver are actually hearing from the community, why is the only community showing up relatives of Reid's, his congregation from New Brunswick, and a strange possibly ex-con from Elizabeth who mentioned at the Council meeting that Gloria is his godmother?
ReplyDeleteAnd when did it become a Council matter that an internal issue in the Police Division leads to disciplinary action. As Director Riley pointed out, the whole nation is crying out for police to be accountable. That means even Sharon's driver, or bodyguard or errand runner or whatever Sergeant Reid was (let's face it, he should never have been promoted to Lieutenant and that wrong will apparently soon be made right be a legal and unbiased administrative process).
The people I sat near at the police presentation were impressed by the reduced crime numbers, demographic stats, policy changes and technological improvements made under Director Riley's leadership. Some spoke of Reid being a “nice guy”, but none knew what he was charged with. That's because the Police Division is not at liberty to disclose personnel information to the public. I suppose Sergeant Reid could have his part in this issue made public, but where's he been? Letting other people fight his made-up battle while 4 other officers took their consequences and have apparently put the continued progress of our Police and the city as a whole ahead of their own self-interest.
Talk of police brutality, street riots and the murder of a police officer by rioting citizens in the sixties is offensive. Who brought that up in connection to any of this? Gloria Fishy Taylor, who keeps saying she's not running again. Well then why is she having campaign events and why is there a rumor that she picked up a petition to get signatures for a ballot spot? Her late husband, god rest his soul or whatever, was a crooked mayor and Gloria is a crooked councilperson. Please, Gloria, step away from the corpse of your political career. Running a campaign on claims of racism may have been a perfectly valid position years ago, but now it's time for something new and positive for our city.
I'd like to say also a quick note to Diane Toliver, who may or may not be capable of reading this blog and comments. Your disrespectful rant directed at the Police Director only showed you for the childish, nasty woman you are. If you intended to abstain, you shouldn't have subjected any of us to your ridiculous display of nonsense and disrespect. Shame on you.
As for Sharon, please go away already. How many times do you have to hear how much this city dislikes you? We're just trying to fix the problems you created – including your meddling in the Police Division (at least Hellwig has had the sense to make himself scarce since he did his damage), so please, Sharon, let us work. Go eat pancakes with gang members or something, but stay out of our politics – we voted you out, remember?
Does everyone realize that for accreditation, all the policies and procedures will be reviewed for legality and fairness anyway? That's the whole point. An independent assessment will be done soon to ascertain that the police are following strict standards. We don't need an independent investigator because the Council already voted to fund the accreditation process through forfeiture funds (i.e. without cost to the city). Why would Council now incur an additional cost for something already being done?
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, as Flor pointed out, if the Council has money to spend why isn't it being spent on translation services to make meetings accessible to our Spanish-speaking community? If any group is being discriminated against, it's the Latinos who have no voice due to lack of language access.
This Council puts Trump's childish antics to shamd. The Council should sit in on other towns council meetings to see how they're. So unprofessional and embarrassing.
ReplyDeletePart 1 It's amazing to hear some of these politicians speak (Taylor). I have heard the term "white privileges" thrown around from time to time during recent years in many places. I also heard comments made recently suggesting that the police department may have a race issue because of racist "white captain" superior officer. What's amazing to me is that there has been no factual basis for these attacks or allegations. Let's all keep things in prospective. One, there is no issue within the Plainfield Police Division. If there was I'm sure the African American Mayor, Police Director, and majority city council would have addressed that prior to this incident involving a police Lieutenant. Additionally I would suspect that the 50+ % of African American Officers would have complained as well, unless they are being controlled by a few “white privileged “ individuals. Don't think for one minute that he is the first person to face severe punishment. Currently there are a number of officers, some supervisors who are currently under indictment by the prosecutor’s office. Second, the prosecutor’s office conducts all investigations involving allegations of criminality by police personnel. If they choose not to prosecute often times those matters get send back to the police department for analysis and punishment, thus the reason there is no need to interview the officers involved (they already gave statements to the prosecutors office). Third, to most people demotion or a six month suspension may seem like an unreasonable punishment, however when factored against termination and the potential of five years in prison, six months or demotion is really a gift. Yes, officers who commit a criminal offense purposely or negligently who are charged with official misconduct face a five-year prison term if convicted. If you read the criminal statue you will learn that there is no wiggle room with that and truthfully not a hard thing to prove in a court of law. Forth, how dare an elected official make reference to a Plainfield Police Officer who was murdered during the riots and state we killed him as if almost to say he had it coming. Last I remember the riots in Plainfield truly did not have anything to do with local events. But back to white privilege. Ms. Taylor needed to thank her lucky stars that she is an African American because if she made some of her race baiting comments and was Caucasian she would have the shortest political career ever. Not to mention the slough of complaints received by the Justice department and various other organizations. Lastly, has anyone, I mean anyone, considered the damage that is being done to the family of that superior officer who was basically called a racist in front of the city council without a shred of evidence. Better yet has anyone thought about how all this public negativity over one person being disciplined out of five will impact the members of the department? The city and the division is moving forward, holding officers accountable and expecting professionalism in a time that police aren't generally liked.
ReplyDeletePart 2 These officers are over worked, short staffed and conforming to a barrage of new policies and rules. They have numerous avenues of appeal and processes in place to follow should they have a grievance. They have a Union and the minority officers also have an additional organization (Ebony) looking out for their best interests. The police division has to conform to union county prosecutors policies as well as New Jersey Attorney General policies and guidelines. Additionally they have to face the department of justice for any civil rights complaints, internal or external. Even with all that, our council thinks they know better then these entities?? Let's face facts, isn't everyone in jail innocent? Aren't the police always-harassing good people? Isn't every gang member who has lost his or her life on the streets a good hard working kid who was a great athlete? Due we really need a civil rights activist threatening the Police and the city council in a public forum? News Flash People!! Everyone who is anyone of importance within this City is a minority! Have they really allowed systematic racism to run ramped within the Police Division? Come on Plainfield stop and think and leave the rhetoric where it belongs, in the trash? Let the professionals do their jobs. People always want to have input and run half-cocked when they hear a rumor but have absolutely no clue what it is the Police Division actually does. Ever heard the term your held to a higher standard? Officers are not treated like you and I, they are on duty at all times and have to be held to a higher standard then the rest of the community they serve. This is not their option; it’s our demand on them? So one of them is a good guy who is spiritual. The community loves him. He served for 30+ years. Does that mean he skates on his involvement in this incident that five officers are being punished for? 120 plus Officers within the police department and not one publically supporting these officers who are being investigated and the community doesn’t see something wrong with that? They are guilty! Maybe not intentionally and maybe with good intentions but obviously a mistake was made and not properly corrected. That’s it! No conspiracy, no racist Captain. Just a bunch of clownish politicians trying to take care of a friend who can careless what happens to those they trample on to complete their goal.
ReplyDeleteTo Anon, 6;08, and N.M.N., First of all Sit me down, cowards who are afraid to use their names. Lt.Venson throws rocks and hides his hands.My post make perfect sense, just because you don't agree does not mean it does not make sense, but you elitist, and I am the only one right, or the only one that make sense people, tell you what kiss my grits. I do walk the streets helping young people. I did not say there were no gangs, but because of SRB the gang problem is not as bad.You people will drink any Kool-Aid this administration gives. His goal is to control everything, but you people keep drinking. Remember Jim Jones.A mayor that has his picture on everything, and has the city website called Mapp Ap should tell you people something. No humility, and Hard Favored. Lee Evans
ReplyDeleteLee Evans:
DeleteWhy is it ok for you to state your opinion on the matter and then when someone states theirs and disagrees with you, you want to get physical. Everyone is not going to agree with you, just like everyone is not going to agree with me. We can agree to disagree, that's cool.
It's obvious that you have a problem with Lt. Venson. I don't know if its personal or what and really don't care. Have you confronted Lt. Venson on that issue? If not why not? If you haven't, does that make you a coward?
As soon as you disagree with some people, the first thing they want to do is get physical. By making statements like that, you're only showing a substandard intelligence level.(I'M JUST SAYIN)
...and before I forget, my name is Jeffrey R. King Sr.
Now you can go take two seats.
I did a little research on Chairwoman Gloria Taylor and while attending the special meeting Monday night, I had a chance to speak to some of our seasoned citizens of Plainfield. (I love them because they're filled with so much history and wisdom) I was advised by one couple that the reason why Gloria is not concerned about wasting taxpayers dollars is because she doesn't pay taxes herself. (SAY WHAT) If you attended this special meeting Monday, you probably heard a loud thud in the back of the room. That was my lower jaw hitting the floor. According to information I read on-line, it has been suggested that Gloria's late husband and former mayor of Plainfield, Rick Taylor was granted an tax exemption. IS THAT TRUE?? Anybody - Somebody?
ReplyDeleteIf so, I'm rolling with GT, so she can show me, how to be tax-free.
How do I get down with a discount?
Also, I hear you Gloria when you say that city employees should also be city residents. That way, they have the community's best interest at heart. I'm about 75-80% with you on that one. However, is it true that when you worked as an administrator in the Paterson school district, you never lived in Paterson, NJ?
Maybe you will enlighten us at the next city council meeting and stop talking about the riots, cops being killed and how Lt. Reid should be pardoned because he is so wonderful.
Gloria...you crazy like that GLUE!
I hope that this is not a case of "DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO"?
It is true that Councilwoman Taylor is exempt from real estate taxes in New Jersey based on husband Rick Taylor's Agent Orange-induced diabetes contracted during service in Vietnam. She cannot remarry or move and maintain the exemption.
Deletehttp://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/lpt/lptdisv.shtml
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mycentraljersey/obituary.aspx?pid=130790016