NEWARK, NJ — An ongoing federal investigation has uncovered allegations of a toxic work environment within the New Jersey State Police. The probe, centered on hiring practices and treatment of women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community, casts a shadow over the organization’s culture.
One former advisor to Governor Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy say the state’s First Couple are not only part of the problem, but that Governor Tammy Murphy is an ‘enabler’ for the wrong doings of her husband and the men in his inner circle.
Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist and co-founder of Lift Our Voices, spoke on the issue, emphasizing the systemic nature of the problem. “It’s more like 23 strikes and you’re out,” Roginsky remarked, highlighting a consistent pattern of mistreatment and lack of accountability, especially towards women, under Governor Murphy’s administration.
“One thing that is consistent that keeps happening over and over again is that for some reason, the governor just has an allergy to holding anyone who mistreats women accountable,” she said.
Roginsky cited several instances where women were allegedly mistreated or ignored, including during Murphy’s tenure as Ambassador to Germany and within his soccer team. The pattern extends to high-ranking officials and organizations under the governor’s purview, with repeated failures to address gender-based mistreatment.
“You have to worry about Governor Murphy? What’s his problem?” She asked. “If somebody mistreats women, they gotta go.”
She said that she and other women who were mistreated during the Murphy administration were ignored by the First Lady after their ordeals.
The New Jersey State Police’s history of federal interventions due to internal issues adds to the gravity of the current situation. The latest allegations suggest a continuation of deeply ingrained problems within the force. Roginsky criticized the governor’s apparent reluctance to hold accountable those responsible for creating or perpetuating a toxic environment.
“No woman has ever heard from Tammy Murphy. So for Tammy Murphy to say she’s some sort of champion for women, nobody ever heard from her when her husband or his administration was screwing them,” Roginsky said. “I consider her a massive enabler of her husband and the men around him who did everything they could to harm women.”
Governor Murphy’s and Attorney General Matt Platkin’s roles in handling these issues are under scrutiny. The continued protection of key figures, despite numerous accusations, raises questions about their commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Roginsky’s comments, drawing from her extensive experience in politics and advocacy, underscore the need for systemic change within New Jersey’s political and law enforcement institutions. The investigation into the New Jersey State Police is ongoing, with further developments expected as more information comes to light.