Bergen Prosecutor Supports Peaceful Protest

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella says county law enforcement officials should do everything in their power to uphold the rights and ensure the safety of peaceful protesters, in a Thursday statement.

"Amid the current escalating tensions, we in law enforcement must be committed to doing all that we can to ensure the rights and safety of those who are peacefully demonstrating and of our communities," said Musella.

According to the statement, the prosecutor's office has been meeting with police chiefs in the county to "remind them of the particular responsibilities their departments have", which includes safeguarding the rights of residents, and keeping the peace "in accord with protecting those rights."

"The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and all of Bergen County law enforcement condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and police brutality," said Musella.

"I, as Prosecutor of this county, will be vigilant to ensure that all Bergen County law enforcement officers act with respect to resident rights, while faithfully keeping the peace. I assure all Bergen County residents that I will continue to exercise my oversight of Bergen County law enforcement to ensure fair and equal treatment and justice for all our residents."

In addition to his statement, Musella was one of the state's county prosecutors to issue a joint statement with the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey.

"The images of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis are deeply disturbing," read the statement.

"As county prosecutors entrusted with the solemn responsibility of acting as the chief law enforcement officer in our respective counties, we recognize that so much of law enforcement’s relationship with the community is built upon trust. We trust the members of our community to follow the law and cooperate with our efforts to enforce it; our community has the right to trust that they will be treated fairly and justly by the officers who serve them."