UNION COUNTY, NJ—In light of the recent developments in Ferguson, Mo. and Staten Island, NY, Assemblyman Jerry Green announced he would partner with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to put together an informal panel of government, community and professional leaders in an effort to improve outreach between law enforcement and the County’s minority populations.
Green, who initiated the panel, noted he is also in the process of reaching out to past and present law enforcement officials, as well as setting up a meeting with the State Police Benevolent Association.
“I bring state resources to the discussion which would assist in providing a comprehensive list of ideas,” Green said. “As a legislator, I also stand prepared to draft any measures that would be needed as well from the state perspective.”
Green reached out to the Freeholder Board to participate in the effort.
“This is an appropriate time to talk about relations between law enforcement entities and the communities they police,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We are happy to facilitate this panel, and look forward to providing ideas and discussing new services that may be needed.”
The County has the resources of the County Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Police Academy, the Department of Human Services, and various youth outreach programs already in place.
Green said his panel is in formation, with the intent of holding internal discussions within the next few weeks.