FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF JOHN ZEBROWSKI SAYREVILLE PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2022
Last year saw the highest number of law enforcement officers intentionally killed in the line of duty in more than 20 years when that total included police officers who died in the September 11 th terrorist attack . Even more disturbing , the number of unprovoked attacks on law enforcement jumped significantly from 2020 , as well . Now , we are only a month into the New Year and already 24 police officers have been shot , more than doubling the combined amount for the month of January in 2021 and 2020 .
Despite overall support from our communities for the work we do there is an anti-police animus that has led to aggressive and confrontational behavior towards law enforcement . The most vivid example of this took place only a few short weeks ago with the shooting of New York Police officers Rivera and Mora . Ambushed during their response to a domestic violence incident .
More insidious , yet equally troubling , are the comments from an actress to Officer Rivera ’ s funeral procession . In a viral TikTok rant over certain road closures that routed the procession she remarked ; “ for one f *** -cop … probably doing his job incorrectly .”
The rise in violence against police officers had been steadily escalating from 2014 before reaching a record number of fatalities in 2021 . It is a trend that is deeply concerning and one without a singular cause . Thus , making it more difficult to train and prepare officers for the risks they may encounter and raising concerns for their family members who eagerly await their safe return to home each day . It ’ s little wonder why more and more parents are recommending their children not pursue a career in law enforcement .
The challenge for us , as police executives is not to allow perception to become reality . We must identify and articulate the nature of the threat that has led to emboldened violence against police , continue to build and strengthen the relationships with our communities increasing mutual trust and respect and we must be prepared to confront the content of anti-police rhetoric .
We cannot let the view held by a few be the lead headline and further perpetuate the false narrative . To do so , would seemingly legitimize a certain tolerance towards this growing aggression . It is detrimental to the good will that exists between us and our communities and increases the level of threat towards our officers . It ’ s time to end this trend .
Chief John Zebrowski NJSACOP President
The NJSACOP sends its sincerest condolences to the families of
Chief Ernest Swanson Retired Life Member
Marion Phillips — CEO , Marion Security Agency Private Sector Affiliate Member
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