PATERSON, NJ – The Paterson Police Department is under the jurisdiction and control of the administration of Governor Phil Murphy and things are seemingly worse in the city than before the government takeover. This weekend, Paterson saw its record sixth homicide of the month.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and New Jersey Attorney General Matthey Platkin have been escalating in a war of words when Sayegh said Paterson is worse off now than it was before Platkin’s takeover of the Paterson Police Department.
In March, Platkin assumed control over the Paterson Police Department, including all police functions, internal affairs, and investigation.
“Due to a number of events and concerns relating to the Paterson Police Department, there is a crisis of confidence in law enforcement in the City of Paterson,” said Attorney General Platkin. “People throughout Paterson deserve a public safety system that protects and serves all members of its community, just as the members of the Paterson Police Department deserve adequate resources, support, and innovation from their leadership. Chief Abbassi is an experienced, proven leader who has built community trust and achieved excellence through his innovation at the highest levels of law enforcement in this country. I am grateful for his service and I look forward to working with him to ensure public safety in Paterson. I am committed to restoring public confidence in the Paterson Police Department, which includes providing the officers on the force the support, resources, supervision, and training they need to be an exemplary police department.”
Sayegh says it’s not working and a recent spate of homicides is proof.
“I’m dealing with people, not numbers,” Sayegh said in criticism of Platkin’s Trenton-style top-down figures approach to policing.
In October, homicides were up 300% over 2022 figures.
Platkin’s office dismissed the mayor’s criticism, saying violent crime has declined since the state takeover.