Gloria Taylor tells Police Director Carl Riley she wants an investigation
An otherwise routine agenda-fixing session Monday turned into a rehash of Taylor's campaign to probe police policies and culture, though other council members demurred. Taylor complained that Council President Cory Storch has refused to put a resolution for an investigation on the agenda even though the entire council supported it in March, As president, Storch has the right to omit a resolution. He said Monday "No, I do not want to do an investigation,"Storch said he heads a nonprofit organization that is working in partnership with Union County officials to provide counseling for people returning to the community from prison, which he called "one piece of the puzzle."
Councilwoman Tracey Brown said she did not like the word "investigation."
"A better word would be 'review,' " she said, though Corporation Counsel David Minchello said wording in the city's charter only allows the governing body to hire an attorney for an investigation. .
Councilman Barry Goode said he had a problem with the word "investigation."
"When you use that word, it's poison," he said.
Councilwoman Rebecca Williams had earlier reported that an accreditation process for the Police Division was 90 percent complete, needing only an onsite review that was expected to take place early in 2017. As the discussion went on, she read aloud the March resolution, which calls for hiring an attorney at $150 per hour, not to exceed $20,000
Williams said she didn't think an investigation was feasible, nor did it warrant spending the taxpayers' money.
Councilwoman Diane Toliver said she has seen an increase in community policing in her ward, with officers interacting with residents.
"I believe that's is where it has to start," she said.
Overall, Taylor appeared to come up short with support for an investigation.
Police Director Carl Riley responded to Taylor's insistence on an investigation by citing an overall decrease in crime, seizure of 111 illegal guns. the success of a police mentoring program for young people, commitment to "Fair and Impartial Policing" in conjunction with other police departments and the Union County Prosecutor's Office and the use of new body cameras which resulted in more than a 50 percent drop in citizen complaints against the police.
Regarding the homicides, Riley said, "Our hearts go out to all of the victims' family members and friends."
He noted two arrests and said he could not comment on other ongoing investigations.
"We are still in need of the community's assistance in obtaining information," Riley said, offering a crime hotline at (908) 654-TIPS.
Councilwoman Bridget Rivers told Riley he is doing a great job, but she deplored the recent "spike of murders."
"We have to something a little more,'' she said. "'It's seven. It's seven, It's seven."
Riley said he had spent 16 years in Homicide.
"Nobody knows how it feels more than me," he said. "Homicides - sometimes you just can't prevent them."
--Bernice
Mr.Storch is also the recipient of county funding of over 250,000 dollars. So to say his organization offer re-entry services I would hope so. Given the amount of funding he receives as CEO of the bridge counseling services. Meanwhile groups like the Plainfield Anti violence coalition. Who are on the Frontline receive no funding and who are trying to contribute to the overall solution of saving lives. Unfortunately once again have not been mentioned as though these groups don't exist but they do. Because the problems of violence exist. And our proactive struggle continues.
ReplyDeleteI see the photos from your anti violence events. What I see is a lot of people flashing gang signs next to your supposed community "leaders". No thanks. Plainfield doesn't need to embrace gang culture. That's why you don't get the community out to your events. People have more sense than that. Except you and Salaam, I guess.
DeleteMy apologies to Mr. X. His group, Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition, has held rallies at sites of homicides and is aiming for grassroots participation. Such a group can add a dimension of support and hope to families in grief and a base for neighborhood organization against crime and violence.
DeleteHow do you know what a gang sign is? Word of advice don't tell on yourself.
DeleteThe internet. Any informed parent would educate themselves to hopefully know a gang sign if they saw it. Not sure if this link will work, but here's just one example of the plethora of info available on gang signs, symbols, etc. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.aclu.org/files/assets/DeSoto_County_School_Districts_New_Gang_Policy.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwiOn7Tg3LXOAhUFXBQKHcG2ARgQFgg4MAs&usg=AFQjCNEU4j0TBmKGI-hFVtobMKJjc_p7qA&sig2=i1xISDogboYcKcgXgCG8dw
DeleteExactly what this town needs. Another Consultant to issue a report that will sit on a shelf.
ReplyDeleteCarl Riley was so passionate about his previous work in the county homicide division, and said he is absolutely vested in solving these crimes that he's seen cause many families so much pain. He talked about his part in setting up victims' families with assistance both financially and emotionally through a Violent Crimes Compensation Board on the county level. He clearly cares a lot about all victims, families, police officers and the community. Gloria appeared foolish and out of touch with current facts. Every other Councilperson stated support of Riley and talked about how much more community policing they've witnessed first hand since he came on board. Hopefully this non-issue will finally be put to bed so everyone can focus on helping their constituents to respect and trust the police who are trying to make our city a safer more positive place. We really need witnesses to start telling what they know, and stop supporting criminals through their silence. Bottom line.
ReplyDeleteRiley is correct, most times you can’t prevent someone from pulling the trigger, however, one would think by way of good police work we shouldn’t have 5 or 6 unsolved homicides. Arrest and convictions would send a clear message that Plainfield is not a city that will tolerate this kind of lawlessness. So when you say you are in need of the community’s assistance, even without, we the community expect to see results.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather not live in a community where arrests are made prematurely without thorough investigation. Homicides take time to solve so there won't be wrongful convictions. And people harboring suspects and keeping silent make those investigations all the more challenging for the police.
DeleteI rather not live in a community with so many unsolved homicides and the perpetrator still roaming the streets. While we should support and respect our police officers we still need to hold them accountable. Let’s not start making excuses.
DeleteWhat does Taylor want investigated? Is there police brutality? Are the police shooting Plainfielders? Are the police derelict in their dutues? If she just wants them investigated because...... frankly, I want her investigated about what fines she paid when her overdue PMUA bill was paid. Is her PMUA bill now up to date? I call for an investigation of Taylor!!!
ReplyDelete