A call for reform of New Jersey State Police minority hiring practices and the handling of misconduct investigations included this insight from State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Platkin said public notification of findings for two investigations can promote greater transparency and accountability within the ranks of the New Jersey State Police, and can strengthen trust with the residents of New Jersey, as well as the trust of the troopers harmed by the conduct uncovered in these investigations. Pardon the pissed off mood for Mr. Platkin but his mission for transparency in New Jersey State Police ranks apparently does not match his policy pertaining to seven City of Trenton police officers who misrepresented time sheets and walked without public scrutiny. According to Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, police Director Steven Wilson, former Prosecutor Angelo Onofri, former PBA Local 11 President Michael Schiaretti and others, Platkin’s office declined intervention on the matter and kicked the case back to Trenton, Mercer County officials. While some officers received suspensions and three captains and one lieutenant had an option of resignation or prosecution, not one officer suffered legal action despite being caught red handed. In fact, three officers continue to serve out suspensions while the four ranked policemen chose resignation on May 1 and received full pensions. At no point did local authorities identify the officers publicly nor state how much money they attempted to gain illegally. These walk offs of law breakers destroy public trust and create social apathy that chokes participation in government. Trenton residents remain dismayed and disappointed by leaders who make back room deals with some law breakers then punish others for committing almost identical crimes. Meanwhile, two female Trenton police officers alleged that a police sergeant removed his clothing and stood naked in front of them inside a TPD gym at police headquarters. The ranked police officer received exoneration from an Internal Affairs Department headed by his brother-in-law. Again, neither Mayor Gusciora, Director Wilson, Prosecutor Onofri (retired), nor Schiaretti (retired) offered information about these dire circumstances. No evidence exists that Trenton and Mercer County officials contacted Platkin on this matter. Now that the two female police officers have filed a lawsuit, and hopefully they will have their day in court, authorities can deny comment based on pending litigation. If local authorities and leaders allege that Mr. Platkin had no interest in the aforementioned time sheet misrepresentation scandal then one wonders what determines AG intervention. Attorney General Platkin’s seemingly non-interest in City of Trenton corruption underscores an observation that the need for transparency is indeed in the eye of the beholder. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].