CAIR-NJ Condemns Reported Racist Text Messages by Monmouth County Officers, Calls for Investigation Transparency

CAIR-NJ Condemns Reported Racist Text Messages by Monmouth County Officers, Calls for Investigation Transparency
(NEWARK, NJ) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) strongly condemns reported racist and bigoted text messages exchanged by law enforcement officers in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and published by 7 On Your Side Investigates.
The messages, which the report by ABC 7 says came to light inadvertently during an investigation into a police-involved car crash, reveal racist slurs and derogatory language used by officers from the Marlboro and Freehold township police departments in New Jersey. The news outlet reported the messages include racist slurs targeting Black and Asian communities, which is deeply troubling.
SEE: Police officers in Monmouth County, New Jersey sent racist texts to each other, records show
At least one officer from the Marlboro Police Department used the n-word to describe a Black person, the ABC 7 investigation found. Another officer from Freehold Police reportedly wrote, “I’m not racist. I hate everyone. If anything, Jews is one ‘race’ I hate.”
CAIR-New Jersey has not been able to independently verify the reported text messages. ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported it has independently verified the authenticity of the messages from “multiple sources.”
Still, such language is not only deeply offensive but poses a direct threat to the integrity and trust that should exist between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“The revelations of these officers’ text messages are a stark reminder of the dangerous prejudices that some individuals in positions of authority may hold,” CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable in any workplace, and especially in law enforcement, where officers are sworn to protect and serve all members of society equally. Racism has no place in our police forces.”
CAIR-NJ is calling on the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office to release the results of its investigation into the conduct of these officers, as well as an examination of their prior interactions with the public. It is critical that the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office ensure that all officers involved are held accountable not only for their offensive messages but also for their potential biases and actions during their duties.
The lack of transparency surrounding the disciplinary actions taken against the officers is also concerning. While one Marlboro officer was reportedly fired, there has been no clear explanation regarding the status of the other officers involved. Furthermore, both officers reportedly resigned from Freehold Police without authorities making the public aware of whether any corrective measures were taken against them.
CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482
CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims