Statement from Councilman Duncan Harrison on Recently Released Trenton Police Video

TRENTON, NJ—”I am extremely upset by the actions of the police officers shown on the recently released video by the Trenton Police Department. While I am still waiting for the official explanation of these actions, I can think of no reason for police to use that type of force on a person who has their hands in the air and seems to pose little or no threat to the officers” said Councilman Harrison.

“This type of behavior erodes the trust our community must have in its police force for police to serve effectively and protect the safety of both officers and the community. I fight for social justice every day in my work and as a Councilman I have demanded that officers get the training they need to ensure that the public is treated with respect. I also supported the deployment of body cameras because they bring the accountability and transparency the public deserves,” Councilman Harrison added.

“Moving forward, the leadership in the Trenton Police Department must provide quick and decisive action to discipline any officers that took part in this encounter or any encounter where the public is put in danger. They must also make it abundantly clear that excessive force will never be tolerated, and officers will be severely punished should it occur,” the Councilman said.

“I was very disappointed that it took a legal challenge to get the police to release this video. The top brass in the Police Department must understand that hiding or covering up evidence of possible wrongdoing only hurts the department and erodes trust. This has to stop,” Harrison said.

“For Trenton to grow and thrive, increasing public safety is a must. And I believe that most police officers on our force conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and integrity. But we must do better. Our officers must come from and live in our community to better understand the people they serve. That reduces crime and violence before it happens and makes our city safer for all of us,” Harrison concluded.