It’s too soon to say Bordentown has moved beyond racist chief
Unfinished litigious business makes hard apologies for alleged conduct and behavior exhibited by former Bordentown Twp. Police Chief Frank Nucera, Jr.
No surprise that Bordentown Twp. officials tip-toed through Trentonian interviews about Nucera’s arrest for charges of committing a hate crime and violating an 18-year-old African-American suspect’s civil rights by using excessive force.
A colleague called “lukewarm” comments offered by Bordentown Twp. officials as they discussed allegations made about Nucera.
Offering an olive branch for allegations made can sound as thin and frail as Olive Oyl.
No quick fixes exist for discrimination, racism, gender bias and bigotry. In fact, resolution of ingrained attitudes that festered in Bordentown Twp. requires a painstaking process of inspection.
Plus, changes in policy demand that community members inherit an opportunity for inclusion in conversations about how Bordentown Twp. moves forward.
One can understand Bordentown Twp. officials desire to move forward and detach from the past but reconciliation and rebuilding trust needs time.
Racism, or allegations of such, remains a nasty business which can find eradication through discussion followed by intense positive action.
Apologies for incidents that allegedly occurred have minimal value although comments made about change by several Bordentown Twp. officials serve as admission of problems with the police force.
A Trentonian report noted Acting Police Chief Brian Pesce cited new community-outreach initiatives, a push to hire more minorities on the force and the equipping of officers with body cams, as post Nucera-era initiatives.
“We will take every measure, every step, to ensure we’re working above board,” Mayor Steve Benowitz said.
Meanwhile, Pesce told The Trentonian (African-Americans) “should have no fear with this new philosophical change. There should be no reason for anyone not to visit the wonderful township of Bordentown.”
Not so fast. Past experiences by black and Latino motorists matter. It’s time to pull up the carpet not sweep dirt and dust under it.
Please do not minimalize the fear that accompanies bias. For many, being pulled over by a law enforcement officer surfaces as a traumatic experience.
Everybody just pump your brakes until Nucera, Jr. has his day in court.
Whether a person participates in the creation of Bordentown Twp. police policy or a motorist passing through the Township, follow the lead of Kanye West.
Drive slow homie.