In light of the recent release of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and United States Attorney’s Office District of New Jersey report regarding the Trenton Police Department, we recognize the City Administration has a lot of work to do in order to ensure the citizens of Trenton are treated fairly and are made to feel safe by those in position to protect and serve. The report states, “While TPD’s policies generally follow standards set by the NJ Attorney General, we found that officers do not adhere to these mandatory requirements. Reform will require that TPD has procedures to enforce these standards and measure compliance.” As I read through the 45-page document, the one resounding message that continually rang clear in my mind is that, this is an opportunity for the Administration and the Council to each do its respective part to help our city do better, implement change, and reinforce the message that discrimination, abuse, predatory targeting, unlawful conduct will not be tolerated regardless of position or the uniform that they may or may not wear. While we are grateful to the men and women in blue who perform their jobs with integrity and fairness, the public has cried far too long for the unfortunate injustices experienced at the hands of a few select police officers and change is paramount! The City Council cares about the residents and stakeholders in the city and wants to hear from them regarding their feelings about the findings noted in the report. On Thursday, December 5th, Mayor Gusciora has been requested to appear before Council to address the report, the recommendations, and his plans to help move TPD forward considering the recent findings. Additionally, I am including a special 45-minute Public Comment segment on the meeting agenda specifically for those that want to come forward to address Council regarding their thoughts on the report recommendations and to offer suggestions on what they would like to see implemented to help remedy the situation. We welcome the community’s input and voice; by coming forward, this will allow them to be a part of the process in aiding us to craft legislation as it pertains to policies, protocols, and other items such as the possibility of a Police Citizen Review Board. The Council is ready, willing and able to listen to the people and move forward with the Mayor, his administration and the constituents to help restore trust, maintain accountability and to protect and serve the community the right way. — Crystal Feliciano, Trenton City Council President