NJ Police Department Under Fire For Handling Of Protesters, Bystanders At Rallies

BELLMAWR, NJ — A civil rights advocacy group is raising the alarm on actions taken by Bellmawr Police said to be against the Constitution when it comes to handling protesters.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU) sent a letter to the department on Tuesday outlining concerns that officers issued illegal citations when they targeted protesters at different rallies.

This includes both traffic and criminal citations to demonstrators and bystanders along roadside rallies.

The ACLU is now asking for an internal review to be carried out by Chief Keith Williams an his associates.

"The government cannot punish motorists for honking in support of a protest or issue citations because it finds the ideas being expressed offensive or disagreeable," said the director of criminal law reform advocacy at the ACLU of New Jersey, Rebecca Uwakwe. "We're urging the Bellmawr Police Department to ensure they are protecting and supporting those who exercise their free speech rights."

In the letter, the ACLU describes reports by members ofthe Cooper River Indivisible advocacy group who have participated in a variety of rallies on different Sundays near Black Horse Pike and Gloucester Road.

Uwakwe asked for a response from Chief Williams no later than September 11.

Patch has reached out to the Bellmawr Police Department for a response to the allegations and is yet to hear back.

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