I am an avid reader of the Salem County Sunbeam. November 1, 2011, I open the paper to the "Town Talk" section of the newspaper and what meets my eyes was a picture of Raymond Rinnier receiving an award from the Salem County FOP. Rinnier was presented with an award for his service to the community. I must say I was "slighted", Moses Leach, Moshowon Leach father and other community residents that marched with me against Rinnier and Schultz felt the same way. On March 21, 2010, Rinnier was involved in a serious matter that ended the life of Moshowon Leach, which was ruled a homicide shortly after by the Salem County Medical Examiner. We the people in the community are slighted because we knew that Ret. Officer Raymond Rinnier along with Officer Joseph Schultz is a disservice to the community. This stems from their "Gestapo" like actions implored on the African-Americans in the community along with the Hispanic-Americans and Whites.
It is sad because Schultz and Rinnier superiors being; Politicians, Police and the Prosecutors do not hold their own accountable for their actions. The police took a sworn oath to protect us, yet they are humiliating and degrading the community then upon retirement they are rewarded. Just because the case went to grand jury and was ruled a "no-bill", does not mean that Rinnier and Schultz was not responsible for Moshowon Leach death. A month before March 21, 2010, Rinnier had a complaint signed against him for striking a family member of mine in the head while handcuffed to a bench at the Penns Grove Police Station. There is a rogue behavior prevalent among the community of Penns Grove by certain cops that goes unheard of. Then they are made to believe as if they are some type of super "cop”, which protects community when they are rewarded with such awards that do not represent their behavior demonstrated in the community.
It is a lack of respect to the family of Moshowon Leach and the residents of Penns Grove. It goes to show that bridging the gap between police and community are far apart from happening. Rinnier filed a civil complaint against me for "libel and slander" because I chose to speak "truth to power" and made public Civil Rights issues in the community in hope to create a climate for change. I said he was a "racist rogue cop". Did Rinnier say that he was a racist? No but his actions against the African-American community demonstrated that there was some type of moral character of inequality there. Was a change made? Yes because we have one problematic person off the force that taints the badge of every actually good cop that wear that badge.
The reason why these challenges of police accountability and police brutality, remain covert in the urban community, is due to the residents being either afraid, apathetic to this particular problem. We as a people have the right to not be the subject of any rogue cop fist, knee, baton or bullet when they are dealing with people. If the community stand up as a whole and not become silent about the issues that happen in our community, we can make a big difference. Until people have that "Rosa Parks" mentality people will continue to suffer economically, socially and educationally.
I am not "anti-police", I am anti-police brutality. Rinnier and Schultz know exactly what happen that night in question. That Code-Blue wall of silence may have got them off, but they will account for Moshowon Leach when they see God. Stokely Carmichael said,”
"There is a higher law than the law of government. That's the law of conscience".
I stand with you Mr. Hudson, NOW, in New Brunswick, calling for Officer Berdel to account for the Police shooting of an unarmed black man, Barry Deloatch on September 22, 2011. Our community is in pain because there has been NO accountability by Police for this reckless killing of a peaceful resident.
ReplyDeleteIt is painful that 41 days have passed while the Officer that DID betray his oath is still being paid by the community after a reckless and deadly disregard for the safety of the community.
Like you, I am not anti-police. As an attorney, I too took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the Untied States. I am anti-Police brutality and Police cover-ups that betray truth.
I am not familiar with this case where Mr. Leach died as a result of Police brutality but I ache in empathy now for the Penns Grove community. These are terrible times when we must see fear in the eyes of peaceful citizens .. fear of a reckless and unaccountable Police who become more militaristic toward the public each year. They are armed to the teeth and do not hesitate to show contempt for the public. WHY??? How did it get this way???
Terrorized in New Brunswick, New Jersey,
Kathleen C. Feeney