News

Lodi, N.J.—Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi of the Paterson Police Department recently welcomed 15 new police officers who successfully completed their comprehensive training requirements at the Bergen County Police Academy. The graduation ceremony, held at Felician University’s Lodi Campus, celebrated the achievement of these officers and marked their official entry into the Paterson Police Department. With the addition of these recruits, the number of police officers in the City of Paterson will exceed 400.

Officer in Charge Abbassi expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work demonstrated by these men and women throughout their journey to become Paterson Police Officers. He highlighted the significance of this occasion, as these recruits are the first to join the department since the implementation of the PPD NextGen strategy. Abbassi emphasized that law enforcement is a continuously evolving profession, and these new members embody the department’s commitment to serving the community with a focus on constitutional principles and customer service. He assured them of ongoing support and the provision of necessary resources to build successful careers while enhancing public safety in Paterson. Abbassi also expressed gratitude to the Bergen County Police Academy for their valuable partnership and expressed enthusiasm for further collaboration.

During their training at the academy, the new officers underwent an intensive 23-week program covering various topics, including criminal and motor vehicle law, first responder training (including CPR and first aid), opioid reversal techniques, use of force, domestic violence incidents, working with individuals with special needs, firearm proficiency, physical fitness, and officer resiliency. Additionally, each officer completed the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, a requirement introduced in late 2020 as part of the state’s revised Use of Force Policy. ICAT equips law enforcement officers with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to effectively and safely de-escalate critical incidents with minimal use of force.

As the new officers begin their duties, they will continue their training alongside experienced officers in the field. This includes walking beats and engaging with community members and business owners to foster relationships and enhance trust between the police department and the community.

The 15 officers reflect the vibrant cultural diversity of the city, with ten Hispanic officers, three Black officers, one Asian officer, and one officer of Middle Eastern descent. Among them, five were born outside of the United States, with two from Peru, one from Jamaica, one from Bangladesh, and one from Morocco. Additionally, ten officers are fluent in Spanish, one in Bengali, and one in Arabic, facilitating effective communication with the residents of Paterson, where Spanish, Bengali, and Arabic are widely spoken. The group consists of twelve male officers and three female officers.

It is worth noting that 13 of the new officers reside in Paterson, while the remaining two live in neighboring Totowa and Passaic. They also represent a wide range of ages, with the youngest officer being 22 years old and the oldest 36.

Meanwhile, an additional 28 recruits are currently undergoing training at the 23-week Robert A. Lyons Police Academy in Passaic County. Both the Passaic County and Bergen County academies are certified by the Police Training Commission (PTC), which ensures comprehensive training for law enforcement officers. These academies play a vital role in preparing recruits for the challenges of their demanding careers and ensuring that they receive all necessary training to serve effectively among the ranks of the over 38,000 law enforcement officers in New Jersey.

The ongoing conflict between state lawmakers in New York and New Jersey continues to intensify as both sides propose legislation aimed at counteracting traffic enforcement rules. Last year, the New Jersey Senate unanimously voted to advance a bill sponsored by New Jersey Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth. The bill seeks to limit the influence of red-light and speed cameras by preventing the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission from sharing identifying information of New Jersey-licensed drivers with camera enforcement entities in other states. This move comes after New Jersey had previously banned the use of automated ticketing devices.

Sen. O’Scanlon, in his prepared remarks, expressed his concerns over out-of-state politicians targeting New Jersey drivers with the goal of increasing costs for travelers solely for monetary gain. The senator emphasized that bipartisan efforts successfully defeated camera enforced violations in New Jersey, as they were viewed as government-sanctioned theft.

The legislation, known as the “Camera Enforcement Inoculation Act,” takes inspiration from a South Dakota law that prohibits the sharing of information with other states for the collection of civil fines resulting from camera tickets.

In response to New Jersey’s action, lawmakers in the New York Assembly and Senate have introduced legislation that would impose a $50 fee on drivers from “noncooperative” states. Specifically, vehicles registered in states that “do not cooperate” with New York in enforcing automated ticketing systems and enter New York City would be subject to this fee.

New York Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz, D-Bronx, along with four cosponsors, is leading the Assembly’s efforts to counter what he perceives as “irresponsible policy” in New Jersey. According to Dinowitz’s bill memo, the purpose of the proposed legislation is to collect fees from drivers from states that allow their drivers to bypass New York traffic laws.

While red-light and speed safety cameras have proven effective in deterring reckless behavior, Dinowitz believes that certain lawmakers in other states prioritize protecting their drivers’ ability to drive recklessly in New York City rather than holding them accountable for breaking the city’s traffic laws, particularly those captured by red-light and speed cameras.

Similar bills were introduced in New York last year but remained in committee when the 2022 regular session concluded, effectively halting their progress for the year. The bills, now reintroduced as A1905 and S5496, are currently under review in their respective chambers’ transportation committees.

Sen. O’Scanlon strongly criticized the “dimwitted proposal” to charge New Jersey drivers entering New York City. He emphasized that New Jersey abolished its red-light camera program due to its exploitative nature, benefiting corrupt tech companies at the expense of drivers without improving public safety. O’Scanlon vehemently opposes New Jersey’s involvement in perpetuating automated injustice on its residents or any others, denouncing the attempt by New York politicians to extort his state into enforcing a corrupt automated ticket racket that victimizes constituents on both sides.

While the New Jersey bill, S460, was sent to the Assembly almost a year ago, it has not been brought up for consideration since the introduction of the New York bills. The situation remains tense as the debate surrounding traffic enforcement rules and inter-state relations continues to unfold. LL

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Ocean County Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari is advocating for improved customer service at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) offices in the county. In a recent letter addressed to NJMVC Chair and Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd, Vicari requested the implementation of more convenient hours and enhanced in-person services for Ocean County citizens.

Acknowledging the temporary adjustments made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which aimed to ensure social distancing and limit the spread of the virus, Vicari expressed the belief that NJMVC services are vital to the county’s residents and businesses. With Ocean County being home to a large senior population of over 200,000 individuals, Vicari stressed the importance of accommodating their needs by providing accessible hours, including occasional evenings, at NJMVC offices.

Vicari underscored the challenges faced by seniors, many of whom prefer in-person assistance for tasks like registration and license renewals. He also highlighted the fact that not all residents have access to computers or the internet, making it difficult for them to utilize online services. Vicari emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure that all residents receive equal access to essential NJMVC services.

In addition to extended office hours, Vicari strongly urged the NJMVC to increase the availability of their mobile unit throughout Ocean County. As the second-largest county in the state, Ocean County’s vast size and population necessitate a more frequent presence of the mobile unit to better serve residents.

Responding to Vicari’s letter, Chair Littles-Floyd acknowledged the preference of many seniors and residents for direct interaction over online platforms. She assured that the NJMVC’s call center has dedicated staff available to assist with scheduling appointments, emphasizing that individuals can contact them at 609-292-6500. Littles-Floyd also mentioned that all customers receive mailed renewal forms for licenses and registrations, providing an alternative to online transactions. This option is particularly convenient for seniors aged 65 and above.

Highlighting a state law enacted in September 2020, Littles-Floyd pointed out that seniors can now renew their driver’s licenses indefinitely without having to visit an MVC agency. She further explained that the NJMVC’s legislative affairs team is in contact with Assembly and Senate staff members from all districts covering Ocean County, ensuring prompt assistance to residents with specific cases.

Littles-Floyd informed Vicari that the NJMVC has already scheduled 14 stops for their mobile unit in Ocean County, including popular towns like Jackson, Lakewood, and Toms River. She encouraged Vicari’s office and individual towns to request the mobile unit’s visit, noting that scheduling plans extend into the fall.

In a promising development, Littles-Floyd revealed that the Manahawkin MVC office will transition into a hybrid agency this summer. This change will enable the office to handle licensing transactions alongside their existing services, without any disruption to the current level of service provided.

Vicari’s request for enhanced customer service and improved accessibility at NJMVC offices in Ocean County will be given due consideration. The NJMVC aims to address the needs of residents effectively and ensure that they receive the necessary support and assistance for all their motor vehicle-related requirements.

On June 16, New Jersey joins the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, a state holiday that celebrates the historic day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom following the Emancipation Proclamation. As Juneteenth gains increased recognition and significance, here is everything you need to know about Juneteenth 2023 in New Jersey.

Juneteenth as a State Holiday:

Juneteenth holds official state holiday status in New Jersey, and it has further gained national recognition as a federal holiday since President Biden signed bills passed by both the House and Senate in 2021.

Post Office Operations:

The post office will continue to conduct business as usual on the state-observed holiday of Juneteenth in New Jersey. However, it is important to note that the federal observance of Juneteenth falls on June 19.

Mail Delivery:

Mail delivery services will operate normally on June 16 in New Jersey, ensuring that mail is delivered as scheduled. Leading delivery providers such as FedEx and UPS will also continue their usual operations.

Bank Operations:

Most banks in New Jersey will be open on the state-observed holiday of Juneteenth 2023. However, it is advisable to confirm the operating hours with individual bank branches.

Stock Market:

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will be open for trading on Juneteenth, ensuring that market activities proceed as usual. Additionally, Nasdaq trading and bond markets will also be open.

Public Transportation:

NJ Transit and SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) will maintain their regular schedules on Juneteenth, providing uninterrupted services to commuters. Riders utilizing NJ Transit are advised to utilize the online trip planner provided by NJ Transit to confirm arrival and departure times. PATH trains will operate according to their weekday schedule.

Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Operations:

All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices will be closed on Juneteenth 2023. Furthermore, New Jersey state offices and courts will also remain closed. However, certain online services for document processing are available on the MVC website.

Support Local Journalism:

We depend on your support to sustain our journalism efforts. Please consider subscribing today to NJ.com to help us continue delivering important news and stories to our community.

TRENTON – The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has recently announced a significant update that allows registered vehicle owners to designate a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary. This means that upon the death of the last surviving owner, the designated beneficiary will receive ownership of the vehicle.

With this new provision, the vehicle in question will no longer be considered part of the owner’s estate, eliminating the need for letters of administration to transfer ownership. This streamlined process bypasses potentially lengthy probate court proceedings, simplifying the transfer of ownership after death.

To designate a TOD beneficiary, individuals with motor vehicles titled in New Jersey must complete the Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation form. The form allows them to name a beneficiary who will assume ownership of the vehicle after the owner’s passing, while still subject to any existing lien holders’ rights. The completed form should be held by the owner and must be presented by the designated beneficiary, along with other necessary documentation, following the owner’s death.

It is important to note that the transfer only takes effect upon the owner’s death or, if applicable, the death of the last surviving co-owner of the vehicle.

This legislative change, authorized by Governor Phil Murphy through the signing of S906 (P.L.2022, c.13) in May 2022, is now in effect.

To access the Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation form and find detailed information about the TOD beneficiary process, customers can visit the NJMVC website’s Transferring Vehicle Ownership webpage.

Amanda Peacock’s journey through the world of pageantry has been nothing short of transformative. Motivated by the doors that have opened for her, she is now participating in her fourth Miss New Jersey competition, representing Miss Harbor Shores 2023.

This year’s competition takes place at the renowned Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City over the weekend, with preliminary events scheduled for June 15 and 16, and the finals set to occur on June 17.

Peacock’s initial foray into pageantry occurred over a decade ago when she was just 13 years old. As a theater enthusiast who reveled in singing and dancing, she took a suggestion to enter a pageant competition to heart, despite her lack of familiarity with the world of pageantry at the time.

Recalling her early experience, Peacock said, “I did not know anything about pageants at the time.”

Since then, Peacock has accumulated an impressive list of titles, including Miss Gloucester County’s Teen in 2014 and 2015, Miss Atlantic Shores’ Teen in 2016, Miss Veterans Day in 2018, Miss Northern Lakes in 2019, and Miss South Jersey in 2022.

Now 24 years old, Peacock cherishes the opportunities that pageantry has presented to her and the valuable life skills she has acquired along the way. Most importantly, she emphasizes that pageants have given her a platform to advocate for a cause close to her heart, through her affiliation with the Toni and RJ Foundation.

A lifelong resident of Williamstown, with a brief stint in North Jersey during her time at Montclair State University, Peacock was moved by the tragic story of Toni Donato Bolis and the foundation established in her and her son’s memory. In 2011, Bolis, who was pregnant at the time, and her unborn son lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver using a cell phone. The crash occurred on Pitman-Downer Road in Washington Township when the distracted driver veered into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with Bolis’ SUV.

At the age of 13, Peacock embraced her pageant platform to raise awareness about the perils of distracted driving. She joined forces with the Toni and RJ Foundation, which aims to educate drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted. Peacock actively shares Toni and RJ’s story in schools and other public forums to highlight the devastating consequences of distracted driving.

Peacock remains dedicated to her involvement with the Toni and RJ Foundation and collaborates with End Distracted Driving, a project initiated by the Casey Feldman Foundation. She particularly enjoys speaking to students enrolled in driver education classes, as she believes that instilling safe driving habits from the beginning is crucial in combatting the epidemic of distracted driving. According to Peacock, education plays a pivotal role in ending distracted driving, as approximately 3,000 lives are lost each year due to this preventable cause. She stresses that these incidents are not mere accidents but rather the result of distracted driving crashes.

In the upcoming Miss New Jersey competition, Peacock has chosen advocacy for distracted driving as her community service initiative. The competition encompasses various segments, including interviews, talent demonstrations, on-stage questions, fitness and wellness evaluations, and evening wear presentations.

Peacock’s ultimate aspiration is to become Miss New Jersey and, in the long run, to compete for the title of Miss America. Balancing her pursuit of these lofty goals with a full-time position at Princeton University, Peacock acknowledges that the journey requires a year-round mindset. Preparing for pageants helps keep her grounded while maintaining an active lifestyle that contributes to her mental and physical well-being.

For additional information on the Miss New Jersey competition, please visit www.missnj.org.

By David Wildstein, May 15, 2023, 9:17 am

Update: Chris Christie promptly paid his parking ticket this morning through an online transaction, shortly after receiving a text message from the New Jersey Globe and subsequent to the publication of this article.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, known for his controversial tenure, has recently been labeled a scofflaw for his late payment of a $50 parking ticket. The citation was issued in close proximity to an upscale French chocolate shop in Jersey City.

The violation occurred when Christie’s car was parked on Newark Avenue near 2nd Street, a designated street-cleaning zone adjacent to L’atelier du Chocolat. While it remains uncertain whether Christie himself was behind the wheel of the gray Audi registered under his name, he received the summons at 1:16 PM on Tuesday, April 18. The parking regulations in effect prohibit parking between 1-3 PM on Tuesdays to facilitate street cleaning, and several signs were clearly posted in the vicinity.

Despite being aware of the May 5 deadline, Christie, who is reportedly contemplating a potential presidential run in 2024, failed to pay the ticket within the specified timeframe. Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, remarked, “No one believes a presidential campaign will turn on a traffic ticket, but the problem for Christie is that it plays to a well-worn pattern. It’s one more example of blowing off rules that the rest of us have to follow.”

Christie, who left office with the lowest recorded approval ratings of any New Jersey governor, at a dismal 15% approval rating and an overwhelming 81% disapproval rating, has a history marred by similar incidents fueled by his perceived arrogance.

Six years ago, during a state government shutdown over the July 4 weekend, Christie infamously drew criticism when he was photographed lounging on a beach chair outside a state-owned beach house, while ordinary New Jerseyans were turned away from Island Beach State Park.

As a presidential candidate in 2015, Christie faced scrutiny for accepting payment of a $30,000 hotel bill from King Abdullah of Jordan during a 2012 visit. This arrangement came after Christie had traveled to Israel and Jordan aboard a private jet provided by casino owner Sheldon Adelson, who was actively lobbying against the legalization of online gambling in New Jersey at the time.

Rasmussen emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that reinforce negative perceptions, stating, “When you know the public holds a negative perception of you, the last thing a candidate should be doing is reinforcing it.”

While the parking ticket offense itself may not be grave, records indicate that Christie has neither sought an adjournment nor contacted the court to enter a not-guilty plea.

According to the Jersey City Municipal Court’s website, individuals who miss the payment deadline receive written notices, and the fines are subjected to an increase of at least $10 with each subsequent notice. The website further clarifies that these notices will persist until the fine is paid or the license is suspended.

Despite being approached for comment via text message, Christie did not respond.

Notably, Christie has a history of driving infractions, including six accidents and thirteen moving violations since 1985. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Christie was stopped for speeding in Lambertville in 2005. Despite driving an unregistered vehicle, he was permitted to drive home after identifying himself as a federal prosecutor and displaying an excessive level of dissatisfaction at the possibility of being towed.

Four years later, as a candidate for governor, Christie admitted to exceeding the speed limit by eighteen miles per hour in a small town but vehemently denied seeking special treatment.

In 2005, while en route to the swearing-in of a new Union County prosecutor, Christie drove the wrong way on a one-way street in Elizabeth, resulting in a collision with a motorcyclist. Christie’s vehicle was towed, and the motorcyclist, Andrew Mendonca, required hospitalization. Notably, Christie did not receive a ticket, although Elizabeth Police Director James Cosgrove stated that Christie identified himself as the U.S. Attorney. However, Cosgrove refrained from explicitly suggesting that Christie sought preferential treatment.

This recent parking ticket marks Christie’s second violation since losing his New Jersey State Police driver in 2018. In April of that year, a vehicle registered to Christie was cited for overtime parking in Morristown, and he duly paid a $36 fine.

More than five years since his departure from the governorship, Christie continues to experience unfavorability in his home state. A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll revealed that 70% of Republicans and GOP leaners would not consider voting for Christie in a New Jersey primary, regardless of the opposing candidate. Only 25% expressed openness to voting for him in any capacity. Notably, more than 70% of New Jersey Republicans indicated a preference for former President Donald Trump.

By David Wildstein, May 15, 2023, 9:17 am

Update: Chris Christie promptly paid his parking ticket this morning through an online transaction, shortly after receiving a text message from the New Jersey Globe and subsequent to the publication of this article.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, known for his controversial tenure, has recently been labeled a scofflaw for his late payment of a $50 parking ticket. The citation was issued in close proximity to an upscale French chocolate shop in Jersey City.

The violation occurred when Christie’s car was parked on Newark Avenue near 2nd Street, a designated street-cleaning zone adjacent to L’atelier du Chocolat. While it remains uncertain whether Christie himself was behind the wheel of the gray Audi registered under his name, he received the summons at 1:16 PM on Tuesday, April 18. The parking regulations in effect prohibit parking between 1-3 PM on Tuesdays to facilitate street cleaning, and several signs were clearly posted in the vicinity.

Despite being aware of the May 5 deadline, Christie, who is reportedly contemplating a potential presidential run in 2024, failed to pay the ticket within the specified timeframe. Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, remarked, “No one believes a presidential campaign will turn on a traffic ticket, but the problem for Christie is that it plays to a well-worn pattern. It’s one more example of blowing off rules that the rest of us have to follow.”

Christie, who left office with the lowest recorded approval ratings of any New Jersey governor, at a dismal 15% approval rating and an overwhelming 81% disapproval rating, has a history marred by similar incidents fueled by his perceived arrogance.

Six years ago, during a state government shutdown over the July 4 weekend, Christie infamously drew criticism when he was photographed lounging on a beach chair outside a state-owned beach house, while ordinary New Jerseyans were turned away from Island Beach State Park.

As a presidential candidate in 2015, Christie faced scrutiny for accepting payment of a $30,000 hotel bill from King Abdullah of Jordan during a 2012 visit. This arrangement came after Christie had traveled to Israel and Jordan aboard a private jet provided by casino owner Sheldon Adelson, who was actively lobbying against the legalization of online gambling in New Jersey at the time.

Rasmussen emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that reinforce negative perceptions, stating, “When you know the public holds a negative perception of you, the last thing a candidate should be doing is reinforcing it.”

While the parking ticket offense itself may not be grave, records indicate that Christie has neither sought an adjournment nor contacted the court to enter a not-guilty plea.

According to the Jersey City Municipal Court’s website, individuals who miss the payment deadline receive written notices, and the fines are subjected to an increase of at least $10 with each subsequent notice. The website further clarifies that these notices will persist until the fine is paid or the license is suspended.

Despite being approached for comment via text message, Christie did not respond.

Notably, Christie has a history of driving infractions, including six accidents and thirteen moving violations since 1985. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Christie was stopped for speeding in Lambertville in 2005. Despite driving an unregistered vehicle, he was permitted to drive home after identifying himself as a federal prosecutor and displaying an excessive level of dissatisfaction at the possibility of being towed.

Four years later, as a candidate for governor, Christie admitted to exceeding the speed limit by eighteen miles per hour in a small town but vehemently denied seeking special treatment.

In 2005, while en route to the swearing-in of a new Union County prosecutor, Christie drove the wrong way on a one-way street in Elizabeth, resulting in a collision with a motorcyclist. Christie’s vehicle was towed, and the motorcyclist, Andrew Mendonca, required hospitalization. Notably, Christie did not receive a ticket, although Elizabeth Police Director James Cosgrove stated that Christie identified himself as the U.S. Attorney. However, Cosgrove refrained from explicitly suggesting that Christie sought preferential treatment.

This recent parking ticket marks Christie’s second violation since losing his New Jersey State Police driver in 2018. In April of that year, a vehicle registered to Christie was cited for overtime parking in Morristown, and he duly paid a $36 fine.

More than five years since his departure from the governorship, Christie continues to experience unfavorability in his home state. A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll revealed that 70% of Republicans and GOP leaners would not consider voting for Christie in a New Jersey primary, regardless of the opposing candidate. Only 25% expressed openness to voting for him in any capacity. Notably, more than 70% of New Jersey Republicans indicated a preference for former President Donald Trump.

By Riley Yates | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A recent investigation by NJ Advance Media has shed light on the extensive financial costs incurred by police departments in New Jersey due to settlements in misconduct cases involving their officers. Since 2019, these departments have paid out at least $87.8 million to resolve claims of excessive force, sexual harassment, and discrimination, among other allegations.

The investigation uncovered numerous incidents of misconduct across the state. One such case involved Marlene Mazur, a Colts Neck resident, who was punched in the face by a Marlboro police officer during a domestic dispute call in 2016. Mazur suffered a broken eye socket, requiring reconstructive surgery and preventing her from working for months. She eventually received a $500,000 settlement from the township.

These incidents are not isolated. The investigation revealed that settlements resulting from police misconduct are a widespread issue, affecting departments of all sizes. From the New Jersey State Police, which paid $1.2 million to settle 12 suits, to the small Woodlynne Police Department in Camden County, which settled one case for $30,000, police departments across the state have faced the financial consequences of misconduct allegations.

However, the true extent of these settlements has remained largely hidden from the public, often due to confidentiality provisions included in the agreements. The investigation obtained the settlement information through public records requests submitted to 484 police departments in New Jersey. The data provided a rare glimpse into the financial toll these settlements take on the state and its taxpayers, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and police accountability.

The settlements covered a wide range of misconduct claims, including instances of suspects being attacked by police dogs, wrongful home raids, and lawsuits related to wrongful deaths resulting from police shootings. They also encompassed allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination, with officers claiming they were punished for reporting misconduct or faced biased treatment based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Officials from municipalities and law enforcement agencies defended the settlements as a necessary cost of doing business in a litigious society. They argued that settling these cases often saves money compared to prolonged legal proceedings, even when the government believes it is not at fault. Insurance carriers also play a significant role in these settlements, seeking to minimize risk and liability.

Critics, on the other hand, argue that these settlements shield problem officers from accountability and prevent the public from learning about concerning allegations. Confidentiality provisions in the agreements often keep the settlements out of public scrutiny, even when they involve significant sums of money.

The investigation recorded a total of 370 settlements across 147 police departments. More than two-thirds of these settlements had never been previously reported. Additionally, 337 police departments reported no settlements during the period analyzed. The settlements involved a small fraction of the total number of officers employed by these departments, with just 835 officers, or 5% of the force, named in the lawsuits that led to the settlements.

Despite the financial consequences, critics argue that civil lawsuits and settlements have not led to meaningful change within police departments. Strong job protections for officers make it difficult to hold them accountable, even in cases of serious misconduct. While some municipal officials claim that officers who engage in misconduct are appropriately disciplined or dismissed, the lack of public transparency surrounding these cases raises concerns about the efficacy of these measures.

The financial burden resulting from these settlements falls on taxpayers, either directly or indirectly. Municipalities that are members of joint insurance funds pool resources to cover claims, while others shoulder the expense on their own. In some cases, private insurance may also be involved. The settlements serve as a reminder of the need for increased police accountability and transparency to address these issues effectively.

Manville, NJ – In a shocking turn of events, the chief of the Manville Police Department, Thomas Herbst, has been indicted by a grand jury on numerous charges of sexual assault. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office revealed that the eight-count indictment accuses the 55-year-old chief of leveraging his position of authority to perpetrate repeated acts of sexual assault against at least three women over a span of more than a decade.

Following his arrest in April, Herbst was promptly suspended from his duties pending further investigation. Disturbing details unveiled in the indictment suggest that between 2008 and 2021, Herbst allegedly engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct, ranging from groping and exposing himself to rape, targeting a police department employee under his supervision. Shockingly, many of these assaults took place during their shifts at the police headquarters.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin provided an example that epitomizes the egregious behavior exhibited by Herbst. Allegedly, the chief summoned his victim to his office, where he proceeded to masturbate and ejaculate into her hair before offering an apology and instructing her to leave work early. Prosecutors further contend that the assaults escalated over time, culminating in instances of rape, with Herbst berating the victim for insubordination when she attempted to resist his advances.

Officials involved in the case have revealed additional acts of misconduct perpetrated by Herbst. In a separate series of incidents, the indicted chief allegedly sought sexual favors from the wife of a subordinate officer, promising promotions in exchange. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office disclosed that Herbst even sent explicit text messages to his subordinate, explicitly demanding oral sex from his wife as part of a quid pro quo arrangement.

Furthermore, authorities detailed an incident where Herbst visited a former subordinate’s newly purchased home and sexually assaulted her during the encounter. The allegations against Herbst paint a distressing picture of a man who abused his authority and created an unsafe and toxic work environment for women under his command. Such behavior is both criminal and unacceptable, and New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin has vowed to prosecute Herbst to the fullest extent of the law, emphasizing the betrayal of the public’s trust by a sworn officer.

The charges Herbst faces include sexual assault, official misconduct, a pattern of official misconduct, and criminal sexual contact. In a troubling development, an additional accusation has been levied against the chief, asserting that he retained his badge even after his suspension and attempted to use it as leverage to evade a traffic ticket. These actions further erode public confidence in law enforcement and reinforce the urgency for justice to be served.

As the case unfolds, authorities and the public at large will closely monitor the legal proceedings to ensure that Herbst is held accountable for his alleged abuses and that the victims find solace in the pursuit of justice.

In an exclusive investigation conducted by RadarOnline.com, it has come to light that Ariana Grande’s father, Edward C. Butera, has amassed a less-than-impressive driving record. Court documents reveal that Butera, aged 64, has been involved in various driving infractions in and around Boca Raton, Miami, and the Florida Keys.

Among the charges leveled against him, the most recent incident occurred just two months ago in Plantation Key. Butera was allegedly caught using a blinding auxiliary headlight on his 2014 Jeep while driving along the two-lane U.S. 1 Highway at 6:30 a.m., according to the issued traffic ticket.

It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Butera has found himself in trouble with the law. In fact, the most serious offense on his driving record took place in 2019. This incident coincided with his daughter, Ariana Grande, reconciling with him after years of estrangement following their separation when she was just 8 years old.

According to court documents, Butera was driving a 2013 Porsche on August 17, 2019, when he was involved in a one-car crash along S. Ocean Blvd. in Boca Raton at 10:27 p.m. As a result, he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident. During his arraignment, Butera pleaded not guilty, and his attorney filed a demand for discovery in an attempt to fight the misdemeanor charge, which carried a potential sentence of less than a year in county jail.

However, a month later, Butera had a change of heart and pleaded guilty. He was subsequently sentenced to 15 hours of community service, required to complete a 4-hour defensive driving course, and fined $100.

Court records unearthed by RadarOnline.com indicate that the 2019 incident was not the first time Butera had to enroll in court-ordered driver safety classes. On July 2, 2021, he was clocked going 87 mph in a 60-mph zone by the Florida Highway Patrol in the Miami area. However, the case was dismissed in December.

Additionally, Butera was pulled over in Miami on September 21, 2018, for failing to obey a stop sign. This case was also dismissed after completing “traffic school” and paying a $186 fine.

Furthermore, court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com reveal that Butera attended driving school in 2014 and 2012 following two separate speeding tickets near his Boca Raton residence and in the vicinity of Plantation Key, respectively.

The repeated encounters with law enforcement paint a concerning picture of Edward C. Butera’s driving habits, highlighting the need for increased caution and adherence to traffic laws.