As reported by nj.com, despite slim Democratic support, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney is prepared to move forward with a plan to overhaul public employee pensions and health benefits before the end of next month. Sweeney has lined up a small group of Democratic senators who said they would be willing to join with
Donald C. Barbati
Gov. Christie Signs Legislation Ending Early-Release Program
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, after two months of stinging recriminations and heated controversy, Governor Chris Christie signed legislation to end the early release of inmates. Christie has blamed the early-release program for two killings allegedly committed by former inmates allowed out of prison months ahead of schedule.
“From a public policy and public …
NJ Assembly To Consider HRsher Legislation Against Those Who Harm Police Dogs
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, people who intentionally kill police dogs or dogs involved in search and rescue operations may soon face stiffer penalties in New Jersey. The Assembly is set to consider legislation this week that would mandate minimum five-year prison terms, with no chance of parole, for such offenders, who would also face …
Christie’s Tool-Kit Reform Package Stalls in Legislature
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Governor Chris Christie challenged lawmakers last May to pass a series of bills he said would lower property taxes, but a year later, with only some of the reforms enacted, property taxes are up $1 billion. Depending on who’s talking, the impasse on Christie’s reform package, what he calls the …
Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Likely To Only Layoff Three, Down From Sixty-Six
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, most of the jobs scheduled to be eliminated by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office will be saved, according to a report on philly.com.
Two unions have agreed to seven furlough days, while three other unions will vote next week, the report said. Earlier this year, layoff notices were sent out …
Deputy Chief Samuel DeMaio Named Newark’s Acting Police Director
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Samuel DeMaio, a 24-year law enforcement veteran described as “the toughest cop” in Newark, was named to lead the state’s largest police department, then given his first order of business: prevent what some fear could be another bloody summer.
DeMaio, 44, who will serve as acting police director, replaces …
Newark Police Director Accepts Job as Chicago’s Top Cop
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Garry McCarthy was named Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department today, ending his four-year tenure at the helm of New Jersey’s largest police department, according to law enforcement officials.
Chicago mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel stood side by side with McCarthy during a press conference, officially putting Newark’s top cop in …
Franklin Township Officials Say They’ll Change Budget and Keep Police Department
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, officials had considered disbanding or reducing the size of the full-time, Franklin Township Police Department in favor of contracting police service from a neighboring municipality, one of a string of changes being considered to help control taxes. “We’ve reached an agreement to keep our police department for this budget …
NJ Lawmakers Near Vote To Eliminate Early-Release Prison Program
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, lawmakers moved toward eliminating the state’s controversial early-release program, which allows some inmates out of prison six months ahead of schedule. Governor Chris Christie and some lawmakers have blamed the program for two homicides allegedly committed by inmates released early.
Christie accelerated the program’s repeal with a conditional veto …
NJ Supreme Court Bans Police Officers From Destroying Notes on Interviews, Crime Scene Observations
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the New Jersey Supreme Court prohibited law enforcement officers from destroying the notes they take while interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects, saying defense attorneys should be allowed to view them so they can challenge official police reports.
The decision, by a divided court, addresses the decades-old struggle in New …