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Cranford police chief cites patch for irresponsible journalism — Dallas, a three year old Rottweiler abandoned at Holmdel Park

Cranford, NJ- National hyperlocal online Media news Outlet patch, formerly owned by AOL, was criticized today by Chief Ryan Greco of the Cranford Police Department for what he calls irresponsible journalism regarding allegations made in a lawsuit against Cranford police officers and the township of Cranford.

According to Chief Greco, Patch writer’s identified only as “NJ Patch Staff” were negligent and not doing their due diligence to find the facts of the story, only taking snippets of allegations from a lawsuit against the township for using their story.

Chief Greco alleges, “On Thursday, October 13^th, 2022, Cranford Patch reached out to the Cranford Police Department looking for a quote. As is required and responsible in personnel matters, the Cranford Police Department did not make a comment on the merits of this lawsuit and its unsubstantiated facts. On Tuesday, October 18^th, 2022, 5-days after this response to Remy Samuels at Cranford Patch, an article was posted on the Cranford Patch website listing the allegations made in the complainant’s lawsuit. It is clear that the Cranford Patch Staff merely listed the bulleted allegations but never took the time to vet the veracity of the allegations made against an active member of the Cranford Police Department in this lawsuit. Cranford Patch did not seek any documents, on-scene witness statements, police reports, or corroborating information to substantiate the allegations. Instead, the Cranford Patch Staff painted a one-sided, sordid picture of police brutality, violations of civil rights, and malfeasance of other officers. Again, none of these allegations were corroborated by police reports, on-scene witness statements or facts of this incident. Furthermore, no internal affairs complaints were lodged against any officers involved in the arrest that preceded this lawsuit.”

Greco said that the Patch writers failed to substantiate the claims and allegations brought forth in the lawsuit.

“For the sake of police-community trust in the Township of Cranford, I implore the staff of Cranford Patch and its editor to do better journalism, vet information, and not give into sensationalism when reporting on allegations as serious as those listed in this article,” Greco said. “We are a transparent organization that appreciates its partnerships with local media and hope that this type of irresponsible reporting does not become commonplace with the Cranford Patch.”

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Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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