Jackson candidate Chris Pollak faces backlash over remarks on policing and decriminalization
JACKSON, NJ – A Jackson Township council candidate is drawing criticism after past comments resurfaced in which he questioned police effectiveness and called for the decriminalization of all but the most violent crimes.
Chris Pollak, known locally for his previous “superhero” persona during community events, made the statements during a March interview with the podcast We Are Libertarians, where he discussed criminal justice reform and policing in America.
@shore.news.network Chris Pollak is running for Jackson Township Council and we took a little look into what drives Chris Pollak. From Fags fight Back to Anti-police rhetoric to fighting the pope.
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The video, recently recirculated on social media, has sparked debate in the law enforcement–friendly community.
Key Points
- Chris Pollak said he would decriminalize all but the most violent crimes
- Past interview included criticism of police effectiveness and public perception
- Remarks resurface amid his Jackson Township council campaign
Pollak questions policing and public trust
In the 2025 interview, Pollak said, “I don’t think the police are doing anything,” while emphasizing that some officers “definitely” do good work. He argued that public trust in police has eroded, stating, “When people see the police, a lot of times they’re not happy… they’re worried more about getting a ticket or getting in trouble than feeling safe or protected.”
Pollak also said he believed police departments struggle to overcome negative stigma, adding, “There’s a lot of bad stigmata around the police, and I don’t know how they can change that.”
Candidate advocates for criminal justice reform
On criminal justice, Pollak said incarceration should focus on violent offenders, while non-violent offenders should not “be put in the system.” “If you’re doing something violent, absolutely, you need to be behind bars,” he said, “but if you’re doing something non-violent that’s not truly hurting somebody, I don’t think we should put those people in the system.”
In a March 2025 interview posted to YouTube with We Are Libertarians, Pollak made several direct criticisms of police practices, effectiveness, and public perception. This resurfaced during his 2025 council campaign, drawing backlash in pro-law enforcement Jackson Township. Key quotes include:
- “I don’t think the police are doing anything.” (Criticizing perceived inaction.)
- “I think there’s definitely a lot of good police officers out there, but there’s definitely some bad.” (Acknowledging variability but highlighting “bad” officers.)
- “When people see the police, a lot of times they’re not happy. When a lot of people see the police coming around, they’re worried more about getting a ticket or getting in trouble than feeling safe or protected.” (Suggesting police evoke fear rather than security.)
- “I think there’s a lot of bad stigmata around the police, and I don’t know how they can change that.” (Pointing to negative societal views.)
- On criminal justice: “If you’re doing something violent, absolutely 100%, you need to be behind bars. But if you’re doing something non-violent that’s not truly hurting somebody, I don’t think we should put those people in the system.” (Critiquing arrests for non-violent crimes like drug offenses.)
- “I’m not in total agreement with some of the drug laws that there might be out there. I think there’s a lot of people who maybe just need more help than they do need to actually be locked up.” (Questioning punitive drug policies enforced by police.)
- “When you look at what a lot of the police do they’re reactive. Somebody gets murdered, somebody gets robbed, and then the police react after.” criticizing police for not actually stopping crime. Interview with HERO Revolution.
He also questioned existing drug laws, saying many offenders “just need more help than they do need to actually be locked up.”
The comments have fueled controversy during Pollak’s campaign, with some residents voicing concern over his stance on public safety as Election Day approaches.