A union representing Newark police officers has asked New Jersey officials to investigate one of Mayor Ras Baraka’s anti-crime initiatives, claiming members of the group have repeatedly interfered with police at crime scenes.
The Newark Office of Violence Prevention Trauma Recovery was formed four years ago to address quality of life issues, but has instead clashed with police on the street, according to Det. Jeffrey Weber.
Weber is president of the police department’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12, which represents about 850 active police officers and over 700 retirees. There are more than 1,000 sworn police officers in Newark.