Piscataway, NJ — The Piscataway Progressive Democratic Organization Executive Committee released the following statement today regarding the allegations of homophobic, racist, and anti-immigrant behavior by Piscataway Police Department Chief Thomas Mosier:

“Along with so many of our neighbors, we are shocked and appalled by the behavior alleged in multiple lawsuits filed against Chief Mosier and the Police Department. Our officers and our residents deserve leaders who will uplift and support our diverse community and a diverse police force. We support community-based policing, where residents and officers work together in an atmosphere of trust and respect for the benefit of all, and failure to properly address these issues will only erode that trust. Several immediate and longer term steps must be taken to repair the damage done to our community and to our police department.

“First, Chief Mosier should be placed on administrative leave pending a full and fair hearing of these suits in a court of law. This would allow the Department to function without the cloud of litigation hanging over its leadership, while at the same time protecting the rights of all parties to have their cases heard. Simultaneously, an independent investigation of these allegations must be conducted. This independent investigation must be overseen by state-level officials who are not beholden to local or county political interests, so as to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. This investigation must be fair and impartial, and follow the facts wherever they may lead.

“Second, any and all other incidents must be publicly disclosed and addressed. The officers who have filed suit clearly felt they had no choice but to be public, but there may be other officers, residents and visitors who have suffered as well, and who are not able to do so. We seek full transparency of these matters, and will be filing Open Public Records Acts requests about other suits and settlements. We urge the Wahler Administration to make these documents and information available without delay, as the NJ Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that these records must be made available to the public. We need a thorough and complete accounting of the work environment funded by taxpayers.

“Third, Piscataway residents should be engaged in a discussion about how to strengthen community and police relations, especially with our LGBTQ residents and our Black, Brown and immigrant neighbors. Currently, there is no LGTBQ municipal liaison, which is standard practice in many communities. A diversity, equity and inclusion officer could also be helpful in increasing the hiring and promotion of people of color, women and LGTBQ officers. Our police force is not currently as representative of our Township as it could be, according to a recent Star Ledger report.

“Finally, there needs to be accountability at the highest levels to ensure that our tax dollars never finance toxic work environments. The Mayor is the Public Safety Director and the Council approves the police budget. We are disappointed by the Township’s official statement, and urge a more thoughtful response that addresses the severity of these charges. However, we are not surprised. These are the very same people who traffic in Islamophobic tropes, stoop to ad hominem attacks on political opponents, try to overturn elections, and routinely lie about basic facts.

“Piscataway deserves better. Our grassroots organization is made up of residents who love our neighbors, without regard for faith, creed, color, sexual or gender identity. We believe our diversity is our strength. We are committed to ensuring that all Piscataway residents, visitors, and employees are treated with dignity and respect. Hate has no home here, and it should certainly not have a place in our public institutions.”

###