Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora faces a second police scandal in the past year with disappointing responses that show a severe disconnect from residents.
The New York Times reported these comments from the second-term city leader following an announcement that the U.S. Justice Department launched an investigation of the City of Trenton and the Trenton Police Department.
“The majority of our cops get up every day and do the right thing,” Gusciora said. “I’m a great believer in ‘Let the chips fall where they may.’” I just hope that this does not affect police morale. It’s one thing to try to train officers better and another thing to disparage an entire department.”
“It’s really tough to be a cop these days. And it’s hard to recruit.”
Gusciora released this statement. “We thank and support the overwhelming majority of officers at the city, county and state level who do the right things every day to keep Trentonians safe. These officers have been instrumental in taking guns off the streets and preventing senseless acts of violence. In the past few months, over 214 firearms, 2,868 grams of crack-cocaine, and 26,066 decks of heroin, and $133,722 were seized from drug and firearm traffickers. But we also recognize that the community’s trust in our police force is critical. If any members of law enforcement violate the public trust or act in contravention of our state and federal laws, they should and must be held accountable.”
The Gusciora genuflect for his police department delivers a disturbing disconnect from urban life in a city decimated by poverty, depression and ineffective government. His “tough being a cop” assertion diminishes and distances the real hardships of being Black, Brown, poor or powerless, and disparaged by police officers and politicians.
Mr. Gusciora displays an inability to comprehend the serious nature of not only this probe but also the damage created when police disregard the rights of citizens and the Constitution. This investigation lists as a serious and credible event in Trenton history despite Gusciora’s mention of guns, decks of heroin and dollars seized by law enforcement officers. His announcement of those successes represent deflection from this mess delivered to the steps of Trenton.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke noted the investigation activated, “after an extensive review of publicly available information and other information provided to us suggesting that officers used force, stopped motorists and pedestrians and conducted searches of homes and cars in violation of the Constitution and federal law. Our experience has shown that policing practices that run afoul of the law and our Constitution can lead to distrust between police officers and the community. The Justice Department will conduct a full and fair investigation into these allegations, and if we substantiate those violations, the department will take appropriate action to remedy them.”
An overriding reaction to this law enforcement probe offered two popular responses — It’s about time and, what took them so long? Many people in Trenton own a police story, an interaction that caused fear or upset. Of course, good police serve Trenton although when people allege 95-percent of cops are capable and decent then the obvious response asks — Why doesn’t the majority identify and oust the problem police?
The Gusciora statement that police who break the law should and must be held accountable hardly reflects an administration that pursues such an agenda. In fact, his falling out with former Trenton Police Director Sheilah Coley included a disagreement on allowing David Ordille back on the force. After a federal judge determined that Ordille lied on a search-warrant application, Coley wanted him terminated but it was she who received the ax when Gusciora ended her employment in June 2021.
In April 2019, Coley became the first African American and female to head the city police department. She had swagger, even told The Trentonian this was not her first rodeo. Coley discovered bucking trends in the city’s police department attracted dissenters.
Gusciora hired current Director Steven Wilson who has offered no comment during this most recent scandal. Earlier this year, four police officers, three captains and a lieutenant, misrepresented time sheets, essentially committed theft by deception and subsequently left the force on May 1. Three other officers involved in the scandal received 60-day suspensions but remain on the force.
Neither Gusciora nor Wilson have offered insights about the incident as they continue to assert that the matter remains under investigation. And — wait for it — they cannot discuss ongoing investigations.
The successful future of Trenton demands that the city enjoys a competent, professional, educated, well-trained, and respectful police department. While this probe gains Trenton negative national attention, hopefully an end result produces positive change.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.