The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 23, Number 8 | Page 13

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2017
Time to Restore Respect for Law Enforcement in the Governor’s Office
By Phil Murphy
As I have traveled throughout each of New Jersey’s 21 counties—and many of our 565 municipalities—I have met
countless residents who care deeply about the future of our state. And I have spoken with many members of law
enforcement who have sworn an oath to help protect our state’s future. In each of those conversations, one thing
has stood out: New Jersey is one family with core community values.
Our law enforcement community is a vital thread in our state’s fabric, and all who wear the badge must be held up
as among the very best and bravest New Jersey has to offer. But words only go so far when the state itself doesn't
show that same level of respect. And that’s what has happened over the past eight years of Governor Chris Christie.
As governor, I will change that. On Day One, the name-calling and scapegoating of unionized law enforcement will
come to a swift and complete end. Instead of making policy decisions by going around union leadership, I will open
my doors and welcome them to the table as an integral part of the discussion. When it comes to matters that impact
law enforcement, I will seek the ideas and opinions of law enforcement.
You haven’t had this courtesy for eight years. For the past eight years , your association leaders have been
systematically shut out from the Governor’s Office while municipal aid has been held flat and pension payments have
been passed over. Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno may have talked a good game, but they have come up short on
every play.
They have made a habit of raiding funds meant for municipal aid to fill budget holes everywhere. Not only has this
shortchanged towns and left you in the untenable position of laying off officers or making obsolete equipment last
longer, it has left New Jersey with one of the worst finances in the country. These games will end.
Chapter 78 was rammed down the throats of law enforcement without any real sense of the long-term impact it
would have on the profession, and many are taking home less than before the law was signed. Worse yet, while
each of you have met your end of the bargain that was made to pay more into your pensions, Chris Christie and Kim
Guadagno broke their commitment to ensure the state met its part of the deal.
As governor, I am committed to seeing our state once again be trustworthy in the eyes of the people it serves—and
who protect and serve the people—and getting to fully funded annual pension payments. That is one reason why I
have supported a constitutional amendment to fund our state’s pension system. And I am equally committed to
working in partnership with the law enforcement community to provide real relief for the rising health care costs in
New Jersey.
Certainly, we will not agree on every issue, no two people ever do. But, even in those moments, I will never show
you disrespect. My door is always open, and it always will be.
You deserve a governor who will work with you to ensure you have the resources needed to do your jobs and give
you the respect to dignified retirement—I will.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors of items published in the NJ Police Chiefs Magazine do not necessarily
reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the NJSACOP or official policies of the NJSACOP. The NJSACOP and the NJ Police Chief Magazine
welcome items for consideration for inclusion from interested organizations, entities, and individuals. Publication of contributions by candidates for
any elective or appointive office does not constitute an endorsement of any such candidate, in keeping with the NJSACOP’s non-partisan,
non-political organizational policy.
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