The city of Camden no longer operates its own police department. Now, police work is the business of the county. And the newly formed Camden County Police Department has sent new officers in crisp, new uniforms to train where they work—in the communities most plagued by crime and violence. [Read more…]
West Orange Cops Investigated for Disparaging Online Comments
A young man was shot and killed on New Year’s Eve on a street corner in Newark. He was a man that family said would help anyone in need—someone who was selfless and kind. The police, however, painted a different picture under fake names and on Facebook. Now, two officers are under investigation for making comments about the man’s death on Facebook. [Read more…]
Gov. Christie Vetoes “Good Samaritan” Drug Use Bill
The Good Samaritan Overdose Response Act was written to prevent overdose deaths. It was passed by the legislature this year and was expected to become law. But, Governor Christie vetoed the bill, much to the dismay of many lawmakers, drug treatment experts, and families who had lost loved ones to drugs. He said it was a “free pass” to criminals. But, he was wrong. [Read more…]
Camden Police Department May Be Dismantled
It may have one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation, but the city of Camden can no longer afford their police department. Steps are being taken to dismantle the current department and create a new one under county leadership, much to the dismay of many. [Read more…]
Newark Reentry Program Seeks to Help Former Inmates Avoid Re-arrest
Nationally, 43.3% of all inmates released from prison will be rearrested within 9 months of their release. In New Jersey that figure is closer to 50%. However, a new program that seeks to help ex-offenders find employment immediately upon release is showing around a 29% recidivism rate, and that figure may be exaggerated. [Read more…]
NJ Judges Must Warn Juries About Potential Errors in Eyewitness IDs
The New York Times reported this week that New Jersey judges have been issued instructions that they are to give to juries in cases involving eyewitness identifications. The instructions are designed to warn jurors that eyewitness identifications are not always accurate and that numerous factors can influence a witness’s memory. [Read more…]