Newark Police Directive on Delaney Hall
Newark police officials were instructed to refrain from responding to incidents at Delaney Hall, even amid escalating violence over the weekend, as indicated by an internal memo obtained by the press.
The memo dated June 8 highlights ongoing confusion regarding jurisdiction at the facility, which has been a focal point of protests, with arrests made involving individuals from outside the area. Disturbing videos showed protesters damaging vehicles belonging to Delaney Hall staff.
In a memo from the Newark Police Department’s Third Precinct, officers were explicitly told, “officers will not respond to calls regarding Delaney Hall, located at 451 Doremus Avenue.”
The instructions also stipulated that if dispatched, officers should immediately notify a field or desk supervisor, per directives from Capt. Mike Alexandre, commander of the 3rd Precinct.
This memorandum will be reinforced during roll calls throughout the week to underline its importance.
“It’s all political theater,” remarked one Newark officer, attributing the directive to Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka, who supposedly instructed local officials to stay away from the facility.
The officer further claimed, “The mayor doesn’t want anyone at Delaney Hall because it’s an ICE facility.”
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill had previously sent state police on May 29, but later reversed the decision following criticism from her base, placing authority back with Newark police.
Reports have emerged suggesting federal agencies were considering a large-scale deployment of personnel, while some state officials called for additional support to maintain order.
“There’s no denying that Newark and state police have a responsibility to safeguard their fellow law enforcement officers from injury,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.). “They ought to do more. If someone gets hurt, ICE officers will likely bear the blame.”
Despite violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement at Delaney Hall, which led to several arrests, Baraka expressed discontent regarding the local police’s involvement.
“Last night, the Newark Police Department responded to a disturbance at Delaney Hall involving an individual obstructing the entrance. I believe NPD should not have been directed to handle this situation,” Baraka stated.
He maintained that maintaining security should fall to GEO Group, the private firm managing Delaney Hall under a substantial 15-year contract.
“Expecting Newark police to take on that responsibility would be an undue burden,” he commented.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), who recently visited Delaney and described its athletic facilities as “excellent,” remarked on the recent influx of cooperation among state and local law enforcement in safeguarding First Amendment rights while also discouraging vandalism.
“It’s disheartening to admit we’ve gone backwards. We’ve reduced police presence and support, and this has been distressing for the employees there,” he mentioned.
“The decision-makers in New Jersey must hope for the best, wishing no one gets hurt, because this situation is precarious. It could lead to disaster,” he cautioned.
