LETTER: ‘Progressive police reform is a slippery slope,’ Jersey City resident says

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In a letter to the editor, Jersey City resident Stephen Stracquatanio gives his take on why “progressive police reform is a slippery slope.”

File photo.

Dear Editor,

In response to Dan Laine’s letter addressing Captain Pawel Wojtowicz’s concerns, as a lifelong resident of Jersey City, I personally want to address the real issue at hand: public safety and the impact of progressive policies.

In March 2024, the Washington DC City Council, whom were originally supporters of very progressive police reform, changed their stances by passing the “Secure D.C Act” and implemented newer laws and stricter penalties as a response to a 39% spike in violent crime and 35% hike in property crime from 2023.

This act was also backed by overwhelming support from the public.

Also in March 2024, 59,738 San Francisco residents voted “YES” in support of “Proposition E-Police Department Policies and Procedures” to expand their Police Departments power and accountability.

This, along with an already trending return to regular policing, has since resulted in a 34% drop in property crime, and 32% drop in overall crimes through July of this year in a historically progressive city.

On September 22, 2024, Former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo himself stated, “Some people think it’s progressive to say, ‘Defund the police.’

Yes, in theory, if everybody had an education and everybody had a job, nobody would need to commit a crime.

I get the theory, but it’s not that simple.” He also pointed out that “‘Defund the police’ are the three dumbest words ever uttered in politics.”

While Jersey City may not be in the same position as other larger Democratic cities regarding crime, it must be recognized that progressive police reform is a slippery slope and can have a significant negative impact on public safety.

Captain Wojtowicz, as the head of the Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association, has every right and responsibility to raise concerns when the safety of the city is at risk as current mayoral and city council candidates covertly push progressive policies.

This issue transcends political labels. It’s not about being pro-Trump, pro-Fulop, pro-McGreevey, pro-Solomon, or pro-anyone else—it’s about being pro-safety and protecting the citizens of Jersey City.

If other cities and politicians, who have supported and implemented these reforms, are walking them back in stride with the support of the public, it’s time to avoid entertaining these ideas altogether.

Addressing root causes is important, to which I commend politicians for listening to their constituents’ concerns and seeking out new solutions.

These solutions, such as the ARRIVE Together Act, should have no direct involvement in daily law enforcement operations of Jersey City.

The solutions needed to specifically meet the needs of Jersey City will not be found by directly impacting law enforcement, rather they will be found in community engagement.

By partnering with community leaders in schools, businesses, and houses of worship we can provide the proper guidance to empower individuals looking to manage and overcome the challenges of their communities.

This can be achieved, but should not come at the cost of sacrificing Jersey City’s immediate public safety needs.

Stephen Stracquatanio
Jersey City resident


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