The question of police oversight was addressed during Wednesday night’s Regular City Council meeting.
Raised during the public portion of the meeting by resident Randy Thompson, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn responded by saying, “If you are talking about police oversight, I think we have done a number of things.”
Quinn outlined the governing body’s approval of body worn cameras for the department’s field police officers, and the installation of GPS in police vehicles. She also discussed the current police department accreditation process that began earlier this year.
“Those are three things we have done to make sure that the police and the public are treated fairly,” Quinn said. “If you are talking specifically about a civilian review board then that’s a different dialogue.”
Quinn said she is personally open to having a conversation.
“We can absolutely have a discussion about it,” she said. “I’m not sure if it’s the next step, but we can absolutely have a discussion about it.”
Crime in Asbury Park is at the lowest point since 1979, according to Uniform Crime Reporting data. The report is a compilation of data of all major crimes, including murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, rape, etc.
In a related matter, the City Council approved a $1.5 million bond to fund the improvement of its communication system, particularly for its fire, EMS, and police departments. The bond will cover the purchase of all equipment, radios, hard and software technologies, City Manager Michael Capabianco said.
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