NEWARK — After months of relative quiet in the South Ward, Councilman Ras Baraka expressed alarm today at recent shootings there and called for the hiring of more police officers. Referring to police layoffs last year, Baraka said at the site of the new 5th Precinct house. "It is visible. It can be felt. The residents know it. The...
Ras Baraka, Newark council member, appears in this file photo. Today, Baraka expressed his concerns regarding recent shootings in the South Ward and the need for more police officers. NEWARK — After months of relative quiet in the South Ward, Councilman Ras Baraka expressed alarm today at recent shootings there and called for the hiring of more police officers.
Referring to police layoffs last year, Baraka said at the site of the new 5th Precinct house. "It is visible. It can be felt. The residents know it. The criminals know it."
Standing with deputy police chief Anthony Campos and precinct captain Tracy Glover, Baraka praised the precinct’s progress in recent months.
"Since January there’s been an increase in the number of arrests and an increase in the number of weapons captured," Baraka said, but warned that without more cops, the south would suffer further trouble with crime.
A city budget has yet to be submitted by Mayor Cory Booker but officials say the present deficit ranges from $40 million to $70 million. This week, Newark received a $7.1 million federal grant to hire 70 firefighters. Without a similar grant, it is unlikely the city could begin hiring back police officers in 2011.
Previous coverage:
• Newark Fire Department receives $7.1M federal grant to be spread out over next two years
• In wake of police layoffs, Newark murder rate soars as violent crime increases