NJ Bail Reform - The Disconnect Between Trenton and Victims...from a Cops Perspective
As New Jersey enters its 3rd month of Bail Reform, Governor Christie, the AOC (Administrative Office of the Courts), Attorney General, Legislators, and the Judiciary are scrambling to keep a lid on the mounting descent among Law Enforcement, citizens, and the growing number of towns that have publicly denounced Bail Reform as a failure.
Resolutions have already been signed demanding the repeal of the "Criminal Justice Reform Act" (Berkeley Twp, Ocean County Sheriffs, and Jackson) due to a number of issues, including the enormous financial burden, the reckless and unaccountable release of offenders, and the burden it has placed on the functioning government and police departments.
Perhaps even more striking, and lost among the issues, is the complete disregard for the victims.
A seasoned New Jersey Detective recently wrote about his view on NJ Bail Reform...and unsurprisingly had a lot to say about the citizens he passionately and bravely serves...yes - the Victims.
From the Facebook Page - NJ Law Enforcement Against Bail Reform - Feb 29, 2017
I’m sure nobody would be shocked to hear politicians were out of touch with reality, regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on. But bail reform is something that really underscores just how out of touch they are.
I attended a meeting last week about bail reform. In attendance, were highly regarded prosecutors from almost every county in this state. Also in attendance were other Law Enforcement Officers, representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. I won’t get into the specifics of this meeting, but suffice it to say, the people who are dealing with bail reform on a daily basis (Law Enforcement and Prosecutors) were very outspoken about its downfalls.
What struck me the most was the people from the AOC who were defending the eCDR system (online complaint system) that is used to generate criminal complaints, and defending bail reform in general.
The AOC were so stuck on how they can make adjustments to the PSA’s for defendants and how this affects defendants, and that affects defendants and I realized suddenly all we were talking about were defendants. Nobody mentioned the word victim. Not once.
So, I just wanted to quote something that is printed on the New Jersey VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) pamphlet that is distributed in every Law Enforcement Agency in the State;
“A Message From The New Jersey Office of The Attorney General ... For many crime victims, the ordeal of victimization continues long after the initial incident. Even when a crime results in an arrest, conviction and subsequent jail or prison sentence, many victims continue to live in fear that the perpetrator may one day return to harm them in some way.”
“Protecting and assisting crime victims is one of our most significant responsibilities.”
Clearly the AG and our politicians feel our most significant responsibilities are now assisting criminal defendant rather than victims of crime. Clearly they no longer care that "crime victims continue to live in fear that the perpetrator may one day return to harm them in some way” since they’re okay with a law that releases defendants within hours of an offense.
It’s easy for them to turn their backs on the victims since they don’t actually have to face them on a daily basis. When a victim needs help, they call the police. When the suspect shows back up, they call the police. When something goes wrong with their case, they come to the police. We are accountable to the victim. The victim doesn’t know about Trenton.
I find it very disheartening and difficult to sink hours into investigations, make an arrest knowing the suspect is going to be released in hours. I’m finding it harder to motivate myself to even do my job, but then I think about the victims. I know Trenton has left them behind with bail reform, so somebody has to be there for them, and after all we are the front lines and the only ones who can be held accountable... judges are untouchable.
But how is releasing offenders supposed to bring any relief to the victim? I’ve learned one thing after 15 years, you’ll never get blood from a stone. You’ll never make a victim whole again after they’ve been sexually assaulted or their belongings have been taken; but at least you can give them peace of mind by telling them the suspect is safely locked away. No more. But we keep going. We do the investigation, make the arrest, watch the person get released.. and arrested time and time again, wasting resources and when then just get a slap on the wrist. What a joke.
Its easy for AG Porrino to say bail reform success because he hasn’t had to look a victim in the face to tell them a defendant has been released because of this disaster, then try to explain WHY. Its easy for Chris Christie to call it a success because that man has never walked a day in the life of a victim or a law enforcement officer dealing with the tragedies the victims go through.
There is a huge disconnect between Trenton and crime victims. All they care about is treating the defendants with care and compassion and making sure their rights aren’t violated; I’m all for constitutional protections, but what about the victims? Did these defendants treat the victims with care and compassion? Did the defendants protect the victims constitutional rights? Welcome to 2017 America where the rights of the innocent don’t matter.
If the AG still thinks protecting the rights of victims of crime is still one of our most significant responsibilities, then why are calling bail reform a success?
__________
Maybe lawmakers to listen to cops once in a while!
When I was a child, there was abuse in our household between my parents. The police came to our rescue many times. If it weren’t for the kind words of these officers while growing up, I probably wouldn’t be sane today. I agree take care of the victims!! Listen to what police officers are saying!! They are the ones the public looks to for help.