Westfield Chief: I Don't Work For The Local News Media

WESTFIELD, NJ - Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro did not mince words Tuesday when he reminded the governing body and those assembled what his priorities were in the wake of last week's arrest of a man armed with a handgun and 130 rounds of ammunition in an elementary school parking lot.

"I do not work for the local news media. I work for you – the Mayor and Council of the Town of Westfield – and I work for the residents of the Town of Westfield," Battiloro said. "I have duty and a responsibility to you, and to them, far greater than just assuring that an arrest is made."

Speaking before the Westfield Mayor and Council, Battiloro recapped the incident at Tamaques School last Thursday that led to the arrest of a 46-year-old Bear, Del. man armed with a handgun and more than 130 rounds of ammunition outside of a Westfield elementary school. The first part of the speech leaned heavily on the letter to his officers posted to social media on Monday. Battiloro praised the efforts of law enforcement and expressed pride in his colleagues. In both statements, Battiloro said the motives behind Thomas Wilkie's appearance at the school may never be know, but that "the worst was entirely possible."

Wilkie was charged Friday with second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree possession of hollow-point bullets, and fourth-degree trespassing on school grounds, according to acting Union County Prosecutor Jennifer Davenport. On Monday, prosecutors tacked on third-degree possession of a firearm in or upon the grounds of an educational institution.

After praising "was some of the finest police work I have ever seen," Battiloro shifted gears to discuss the crisis communication utilized by the department.

"Since assuming the position of Chief of Police, it has remained my foremost priority to improve police – community relations. This begins and ends with better and timelier communications, and the Westfield Police Department has made some very significant improvements in that area," Battiloro said. "Nixle messages were immediately transmitted once the lockdown was initiated, and again once it was lifted. Once certain facts relating to this incident were verified, a statement was issued through the Town of Westfield’s Public Information Officer. However, I understand that local news media has been angered by their inability to receive specific information regarding this incident."

Battiloro also detailed that while he was on scene he received constant calls, emails and text messages from the local news media.

"I understand their job. I ask that they understand mine," he said. "My first priority was not responding to their requests for information, but rather ensuring the safety of those 30 children, our officers, detectives and supervisors, and the general public."

Battiloro noted that like all other persons who have been arrested and charged with crimes, Wilkie is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and at this stage, the job is far from done as the Westfield Police Department continues to actively investigate this incident, and to build its case, which has yet to be presented to a judge and jury.

"I will not, in any way, impair, impede, obstruct or otherwise take any action that might negatively impact the successful prosecution of these very serious charges, by releasing certain specific information which is beyond the public’s right to know," Battiloro said. "That information which is a matter of public record has been released, and it was released in a timely manner, after it was carefully vetted and determined to be factual, and then only with approval of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office."

Battiloro said the Westfield Police would not be releasing any more information, but said he sympathized with parents.

"As a parent of three school-aged children, believe me, I fully understand a parent’s need to know. I know you have specific questions. I know you want answers," he said. "However, while certain specific information cannot be shared at this time, rest assured the Westfield Police Department is working hard to bring this matter to a successful conclusion and to ensure that this subject remains where he is right now – in jail. That is my job. That is what I am doing – and I don’t intend to fail you."

Batiloro noted that the Westfield Police Department has established an "unprecedented" presence in the Westfield Public Schools. This police presence has been expanded to include a number of non-public Westfield schools as well and Battiloro said it will continue for the foreseeable future.

As for the long term future of school security, Battiloro said the implementation and execution of a school’s security plan is ultimately the responsibility of each individual school and that the Westfield Police Department has and will continue to work closely with all schools, their staff, administrators and professional consultants, on all matters related to safety.

"Please know, as Chief of Police, there is no duty or responsibility that I hold greater than ensuring the safety of your children. Have faith, trust, and confidence in your police officers," he said. "We were there for you last Thursday. We are here for you today – and I assure you, we will be there for you tomorrow."

You can view his remarks in the video below.

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