Speak For Yourself

Patti Samone/The Star-Ledger

The latest report for New Jersey, released November 18, 2010, shows an overall decline in the state crime rate. Based on 2009 statistics, the most significant decline is murders, which dropped 15% from the previous year [2008].  These improvements are in direct relation to the number of police officers we have on the streets.  However, these stats are in jeopardy, and guaranteed to drastically spike, if state and/or federal officials don't step in. 

Though crime is down, the highest rate of murders occur in Essex (2009 murders=117), Camden (2009 murders=40), and Hudson counties (2009 murders= 30).  Despite these figures, Essex/Hudson county has made a decision that will result in blood on their hands.  On November 30, 2010, the city of Newark- the state's largest police department, finalized layoffs of 167 police officers.  These layoffs primarily account for officers hired to the force since 2006.  Jersey City police department is on the brink of laying off 82 officers.  What is the rationale for the largest police layoff in over 30 years?  Money.  These are the facts, now it's time for my opinion.

Photo: New Jersey State Police http://www.njsp.org/

I understand that cities across America are feeling the financial crisis.  I also understand that in order close budge gaps, city officials have to make drastic changes, which 99% of the time require layoffs.  However, to lay off over 200 officers in a county that has proven year after year to have one of the highest murder rates in the state is unacceptable.  By laying off these workers, they have literally signed the death certificate for countless citizens in Newark and Jersey City.  While I fault the city for making this disastrous decision, I do feel they were left with no choice.  Who do I blame the most?  The organization that is supposed to protect police officers: Policeman's Benevolent Association.  The PBA claims they advocate for workers, yet they allowed 167 police officers in one of the most dangerous cities in America to be released from duty.  The local news has been filled with concerned citizens who are now afraid to leave their homes, or keep their businesses open at normal hours because they fear violence is going to increase with less police presence.

The union was involved in negotiations with Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and despite proposed concessions to at least save some jobs, the union refused to negotiate further.  I find it appalling that this union advocates for "the people," but the members are the ones who end up losing. Mayor Booker and union president Derrick Hatcher still have a job.  Neither of which requires them to physically protect our community from the gangs and murderers ready to take over local neighborhoods.  The final email exchange between the union and the mayor's office was written as follows, This e-mail is to inform you that our membership has expressed no interest in re-opening the contract or executing any side agreements with the City of Newark regarding the Lay Offs.  Does this sound like high officials negotiating, or two men fighting over whose ego is bigger? 

I'm sure the police department is corrupt; show me one that isn't.  Fighting corruption by making our community more dangerous isn't a results-driven mission; isn't that the purpose of unions? To get results for their members?  This decision is unethical and immoral at best.  I want police officers to get equal rights and equal pay, but what is the primary goal here?  To protect and serve, of course, but who? Not only have the mayor's office and PBA put the community at risk, they put 167 officers on the unemployment line.  Almost 100 more will follow suit if the city of Jersey City can't come to an agreement.  We need unions to maintain work-life balance; but giving violent criminals the upper hand is a futile attempt at success.  Union members need to stop eating the bullsh*t they are being fed and realize when it comes to protecting your community and taking care of your family, you have to speak for yourself.