PALISADES PARK – About two dozen residents rallied outside Borough Hall in the rain Saturday afternoon demanding reforms to the police department after a scathing report detailed a host of problems including political interference, unfair practices of promotion and low morale.
He carries signs that say “No politics to the police!” and “Wake up Palisades Park!” the coalition of Korean, Latino and white residents said it wanted reforms at all levels of the department that has long been one of the most troubled forces in Bergen County.
The protest was prompted by a report this month from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office that found political interference had done “immense damage” to the department.
“We had always heard rumours, but now there is proof of it,” said Youbong Won-Yoon, a resident who helped organize the rally and has been reported to the city council. “How can you be still now?”
Officers interviewed by prosecutors said hiring, promotions and departmental assignments were often based on an officer’s “contribution and participation in political activities.” The officers admitted to attending political fundraisers, buying tickets to fundraisers, helping distribute political signs and participating in door-to-door canvassing for candidates.
At the center of this, according to the report, is City Manager David Lorenzo, “who often involved himself in personnel and administrative matters that were the prerogative of the then-officer in charge or the mayor and council “.
Lorenzo said earlier this month that he could not comment on the matter other than to say that the township will “identify and correct any inefficiencies.”
Longtime resident Neris Papoters said Lorenzo needs to step down in order for the department to reorganize. “There is no reason that those who protect us should have to fight so much with each other,” he said. “You need a change in leadership to make the necessary changes.”
The protesters, organized as TEAM Palisades Park for Transparency Empowerment Accountability Mission, said they will return to city hall Monday night when the council is expected to approve promotions for a handful of police officers the group believes they are politically connected.
The department has long been in chaos. In the 1990s he gained national attention when Palisades Park officers were found to be running a robbery ring. The district has had five chiefs in the past 10 years and numerous problems, including suspensions, lawsuits and infighting.
In 2022 alone, the department settled a lawsuit, faced three new lawsuits from officers and had a prisoner escape that led to an investigation.
The department has been led by a top officer since Chief Mark Jackson retired in 2019 amid his own controversy following a scathing report that outlined the department’s shortcomings.
