Morristown Public Safety Dir. Praises Disciplinary-Records Order

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown's public safety director praised the state's directive that will result in the release of certain disciplinary records from law-enforcement agencies. Although some unions have criticized aspects of the decision, Michael C. Corcoran, Jr. believes it will benefit all parties.

"Court rulings, laws or directives that help the police build trust, legitimacy and transparency with the community we serve benefits everyone," Corcoran told Patch.

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously June 7 that the Office of Attorney General can order the release of "serious" disciplinary violations from June 15, 2020, through the end of the calendar year. June 15 reflects the date of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal's original order, which became the center of a year-long court battle.

Departments will be required to disclose firings, reductions in rank or grade and suspensions of more than five days. Grewal set a 60-day deadline June 9 for each agency to release such information. Read more: NJ Police Depts. Have 2 Months To Release Disciplinary Reports

Critics of the ruling include the state police benevolent association's president, who called it "frustrating and disappointing."

“The State Supreme Court’s decision is both frustrating and disappointing," said Pat Colligan. "The NJSPBA does not and will not protect bad officers who violate the public trust and, yet, the 99.9% of good men and women serving in law enforcement continue to find themselves under attack."

But Colligan praised a provision that allows officers who agreed to discipline under the assumption that it would remain confidential, to seek a judge's approval to keep the records secret.

"We are pleased that the court recognized that many officers only resolved disciplinary actions because they received specific promises of confidentiality which they relied upon, and that they are entitled to a hearing before release of any information regarding events that may have occurred decades ago," Colligan said. "We continue to be disappointed in the Attorney General's ongoing refusal to meet with us to discuss fairness within police reform as well as his continuing attacks on law enforcement."

Corcoran, however, praised the overall direction of Gurbir's police reforms. Days after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd, Grewal issued several directives.

Actions included expansion of Crisis Intervention Team training, development of a statewide "Use of Force Portal" and updates to the state's use-of-force policy.

"New Jersey law enforcement has led the way with the Attorney General’s Excellence in Policing initiative," Corcoran said via email. "We are among the most progressive and professional States when it comes to police practices and procedures.

"Indeed, the Morristown Bureau of Police was accredited this year by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Our department is committed to absolute best practices and accountability to all who live, work or visit Morristown."

Morristown agencies are still reviewing the new directive, Corcoran said Thursday. But they will comply by the August deadline, he says.

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