Jersey City Council OKs measure in support of CCRB, delays vote on crisis interventionists

The Jersey City Council approved a measure in support of a civilian complaint review board (CCRB), and also delayed a vote on a crisis interventionist contract, in the wake of Andrew Washington’s killing at last night’s meeting.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

“I understand the dire need, but we have to do our due diligence as it relates to making sure we’re being financially responsible when giving out these bids,” Gilmore said regarding the three-year, $4,276,001 contract with the Jersey City Medical Center for mental health emergencies.

He made a motion to withdraw, which was seconded by Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera.

“I think this is a really, really important thing for the city and I appreciate the speed, because we wanted speed to get it to us, I think that was good, but obviously the council just got the materials yesterday, we still need to review, and I do think it makes sense for us to really dig in, ask questions, and make sure that two weeks from now it’s up for a vote,” noted Ward E Councilman James Solomon.

Council President Joyce Watterman mentioned that personnel from the JCMC should be present at the October 23rd caucus to discuss the contract further.

The motion to withdraw passed unanimously (8-0), with Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley absent after just having a baby boy.

“Justice for Drew,” activist Tina Nalls said during public comment.

“I’m also here in support of Drew. The footage was released. My anger is pent up. I should have been allowed the opportunity to speak with you sooner. Did you see the murder?” Edward Perkins asked.

“He needed medical attention. He didn’t need their help. They murdered him. It took only 1 hour. Why not 5 hours? We should be at this meeting every meeting bringing up Drew.”

He praised the Jersey City Council for supporting the CCRB resolution.

“If it’s more than four members of this body that support having a CCRB, why can’t we move forward? Jersey City failed Drew’s family. They called the police.”

Washington, 52, who had suffered with mental illness for decades, was fatally shot by a police officer on August 27th after he charged at authorities with a large knife in the midst of having an episode.

“I’m glad you listened at the last meeting. We did get the video, and the body cam released. Justice for Drew. Where’s the mayor that needs to apologize to this community about the statement he made?” added Steven Young.

Another activist, June Jones, praised the council for seeking to address mental health issues even though the item was withdrawn prior to public comment.

“I propose that we include, at the very least, both Jersey City Together and the family of Drew in the decision-making process. Their input and perspective will be invaluable in ensuring all necessary requirements and expectations are met. This is much larger than Drew. It concerns all of us,” she said.

“It looks like the gentleman (Drew Washington) was shot twice before he was tased. For him to be shot twice, it just should not have been,” Michael G. Grant said, noting that he wanted to volunteer to help address mental illness issues.

Additionally, Robyn Gorman criticized Fulop for saying the shooting of Washington was justified, as well as a spokeswoman claiming that crisis interventionists would not have prevented tragedy.

“The mayor’s spokesperson declared that a different crisis response would not have changed the incident. I question at what point this became a life-threatening situation. Mr. Washington was alone, behind a locked door. This was a man in mental distress who had been shot by the police in the past,” she stated.

“I am unclear why the police determined it was a life-threatening situation. This was the second time Mr. Washington was treated this way by the police.”

Anne-Marie Nazzaro, of Jersey City Together, said the council should look into adopting a better policy to address mental health issues.

“It should be shoulder to shoulder with community members with some of us from Jersey City Together and family members. It’s essential to have community members scrutinize it with you.”

Nazzaro said that the police need to be trained with behavioral unit responders to better address such situations.

“Should they have pulled the door off the hinges? There are so many questions,” she added.

Hudson County Anti-Violence Coalition Executive Director Pamela Johnson was also critical of the administration claiming that the new program would not have saved Washington’s life.

“EMS was told Andrew was not dangerous but was experiencing a mental crisis. Jersey City police officers arrived and Andrew’s family was standing outside his home. The police again were told by Andrew’s family again he was not dangerous,” Johnson asserted.

“His family begged them not to hurt him. His family begged for the opportunity to speak with Andrew and they were denied access.”

Bill Lillis, another member of Jersey City Together, also insisted that the program with the JCMC would have allowed the situation to be deescalated safely.

Randy Davenport, an attorney for the Washington family, said community members should be consulted on addressing mental health in the city.

“They’re coming with solutions, and they need to be consulted. So, we can ensure what happened to Drew does not happen again. They want meaningful, daring, and long-term solutions,” he exclaimed.

He also said that the narrative that Washington was “armed and dangerous” was “pouring salt on the wounds” of mourning friends and family members.

Solomon, one of four sponsors of the CCRB resolution, explained that it was non-binding but was being done a second time in hopes of getting some movement in the state legislature.

“This is simply a resolution in support of Assemblywoman McKnight’s bill to establish Civilian Complaint Review Boards, give them power and strength for cities to then adopt. “We can’t do it here in a way that would have real authority.

He said he worked on it with Council President Joyce Watterman and Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, with Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore co-sponsoring as well.

“The second largest city … in the state thinks we should have CCRBs,” Solomon added.

That resolution passed 7-1, with Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano voting no and Ridley absent.