In a recent press conference, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow highly praised Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and the city of Plainfield for its monumental efforts in the reduction of major crimes. This tenacious war on crime was birthed when Mayor Robinson-Briggs was sworn into office. Her first initiative was the establishment and maintenance of communication, camaraderie, and cooperation between the state police of New Jersey, the Attorney General's office, and the Union County Prosecutor's office. Her keen insight and attention to detail, coupled with the city's resounding cries for justice and stability, blossomed this idea, which made it easy to help her bring this initiative to fruition. Our unity on the matter shaped the framework of things to come. For indeed, the state police, the Attorney General's office, and the Prosecutor's office have established an interdependent and successful front on the war on crime within our community.
Our current administration has realized that the time is NOW for change, which is why major crimes in the Queen City are drastically down. The former administration's efforts in the matter resulted in 15 murders, while our current administration has mounted a front on major criminal occurrences, yielding only two this year. Fruits of our "extraordinary, exceptional, and remarkable" effort, as stated by city Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig can be seen in the rapid apprehension of the three principal suspects in last month's brutal attack of an 82 year-old man. In just TWO WEEKS, the Plainfield Police Department, through efficient police work, apprehended two of the three suspects, while the third was captured just days later.
What makes the efficiency and dedication of our current administration and the Plainfield Police Department a colossal achievement is that Prosecutor Romankow has decided to create a Homicide Task Force for Union County, aimed at continuing the successful decrease in major crimes, as well as ensure the public safety of our community. Romankow lauded Plainfield as "the template" for police cooperation. Romankow also stated, "The reality is that the police administration decided that they were going to do something about it [crime]." The Task Force will be comprised of 16 professional investigators from Union County, including two from the Queen City, as well as the County Prosecutor and his five attorneys embarking on a vigorous endeavor to investigate and remedy all criminal and suspicious deaths. The past administration told both you and me that our city, the Queen City, did not have any gang problems. Shortly after that heedless statement was made, gang violence began to consume our community like a wildfire. Union County Prosecutor Romankow said that, "this gang problem was not only out of control, but civilian safety was in jeopardy." Our current administration, since gaining the reigns of leadership, has thus doused the burning threat of gang activity and major crimes with this polished Task Force.
This assault-on-crime initiative is powerful and conducive to our county's unity, community, and harmony because it is a PROACTIVE agenda. Instead of waiting for criminal activity to arise, much like the former administration did, our current administration is taking a stern, hands-on approach to combat and sustain a healthier, more enjoyable, and safer Union County. And it is VITAL that YOU, my fellow neighbors, continue to take an active, persistent role in reporting crime and suspicious activity. I, along with my administrative team, both extol and applaud YOU for YOUR steadfast efforts to transform the Queen City from good, to better, to BEST!
4 comments:
insightful.. my hat is tipped to those involved in securing communication amongst the different offices.. i couldnt imagine how hard that must have been.. i hope these blogs stay consistent
Congratulations! New Jersey couldn't have done it without your help, and that of the extremely insightful, forward looking mayor, The Honorable Sharon Robinson-Briggs.
From the Star-Ledger:
N.J. murder total hits 5-year low
I just wanted to say that Mr. Green is giving alot of credit to the Mayor and her administration for creating this relationship with the State Police and the Attorney General's Office. It should just be pointed out that the relationship was created under under Chief Santiago and Mayor McWilliams was still in office and there was no push from either to establish the relationship. That being said, the relationship was created by members of the police division who had no polical agendas and their only intention was to make Plainfield a safer place for its residents. There was no pressure from the administration to keep the relationship going. If not for the dedicated officers of the police division, the relationship would have faded away. It is a credit to their dedication and selflessness that the relationship thrives today. To give credit to the administration is a shame.
I am thrilled to see the rapid responses regarding this post. Your efforts are welcomed and most appreciated.
The latest post by anonymous is one I would like to address, regarding the efforts of those departments involved in creating this war on crime initiative.
The Plainfield Police department has undergone many avenues of reforms resulting in a stronger, more efficient and uniformed department. Their primary goal is to secure the tranquility of the community through the enforcement of laws. I do not want it to be misconstrued that I credit only the Mayor and her council in the revamped war on crime effort. However, I do credit her for her renewing of this effort, and the efficiency of her surge, as it was expressed as being her first initiative upon being sworn in.
The rapport between the offices mentioned in the blog, as of her term, is in productive, good standing, which is where the accreditation lies.
I look forward to receiving and discussing more comments in the various blogs posted on our site.
Yours truly,
Assemblyman Jerry Green
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