Date: 2000/05/30 Tuesday Page: A1 Section: News Edition: Size: 1689 words

Web site undercuts N.J. trooper reforms

By WENDY RUDERMAN
Staff Writer

TRENTON _ The Whitman administration's efforts to reform the New Jersey
State Police are being haunted by a phantom.

``Phantom'' is the pen name used by a trooper who puts out an Internet
newsletter entitled ``Troop Rumblings,'' an anonymous and angry forum for
troopers to vent, particularly about their new boss, Superintendent Col.
Carson Dunbar Jr., who in November became the first member of a minority
group to lead the 2,700-member force.

Trooper discontent is the fallout from the Whitman administration's
sweeping reforms aimed at purging the state police of any bias toward
minorities both inside and outside the force.

In the electronic newsletter, Dunbar is commonly referred to as
``Dumb-bar'' or the ``Anti-Colonel,'' Gov. Christie Whitman is
sarcastically called the ``Queen,'' and the Black Ministers Council of
New Jersey is labeled the ``Black Menacers.''

The rumblings of troopers recently evoked the ire of Dunbar, who
cautioned troopers in his superintendent's newsletter, mailed May 1 to
troopers and their families, against spreading rumors and making
insulting comments.

``During my first five months here, I have sensed an often unspoken anger
in many throughout the division,'' Dunbar wrote. ``I have found many
individuals who have become obsessed with information that has almost no
foundation. In some cases, the information provided is mean-spirited, and
its only intention appears to be to ensure that members of the division
divide themselves; this can be management-troopers, females-males,
minorities-non-minorities.''

Dunbar is very much aware of the prolific Phantom and his comrades,
though he doesn't read their comments, according to state police
spokesman John Hagerty. And Dunbar has no intention of doing anything
about them. Troopers have a constitutional right to air their opinions,
Hagerty said.

``Every individual in this nation has a right to free speech and in
today's technological society, there are any number of ways people can
communicate,'' he said. ``Some individuals of the state police have
chosen to use an Internet site.''

Although the Internet postings are mostly anonymous and anyone with a
computer can write in, those in the know say the writings _ often
peppered with esoteric state police jargon _ are penned by troopers who
complain about promotions they didn't get, work hours they think are too
long, the delay in getting new weapons, the minority leaders who have
accused them of racial profiling, the reforms and more.

And there is no doubt the newsletter is being read by troopers, including
the trooper ranked just below Dunbar _ Lt. Col. Robert Dunlop, whose home
e-mail address appeared on the ``Troop Rumblings'' mailing list. In fact,
some troopers say they read it every day.

Troopers who message their comments to the Phantom, who then forwards
them to the entire group, use their own pseudonyms, like ``Sparticus,''
``Road Dawg!'' and ``JCAT.''

IN AN ATTEMPT to undermine Dunbar's authority, ``JCAT'' wrote ``Dumb-bar
will be discovered to be exactly what he is and he will also
self-destruct. So keep the faith. Listen to your senior men and road
sergeants. You guys know which ones I mean.''

_ _ _

Another trooper writes, ``I think it is a disgrace that the state had to
lower the standards for new recruits so that minorities can get in. If
you're that dumb that we need to lower the scores to let you in, then go
be a lawyer or something. . . . Stay safe and realize that it's only a
matter of time that the guy or girl working next to you may not be as
qualified as you.''

Newspapers recently reported a dramatic increase in the percentage of
minority applicants passing the state police exam. Of the 831 applicants
who passed the most recent exam, 30 percent were minorities. The last
time the exam was given, 12.9 percent of those who passed were
minorities.

Hagerty said state police requirements haven't changed.

``Any argument that the state police has dumbed down the educational
standards, testing standards or any other criteria to get into the
academy is untrue,'' Hagerty said. ``Those individuals just don't know
what they are talking about. They have not taken the time to learn the
facts about their own organization.''

Hagerty attributed the significant increase in minority applicants who
passed the exam to the state's stepped-up campaign to recruit minority
candidates.

DUNBAR'S GENERAL philosophy is that whatever troopers do on their own
time with their own resources is their right, although there are
exceptions. But what they do on the job is a different story.

``I caution you that ethnic, sexist or other insensitive jokes or
comments of any kind are not accepted within any part of this division,''
Dunbar wrote bluntly in his newsletter. ``If you feel the need to engage
in such conduct, expect to be disciplined.''

In his newsletter, Dunbar cited the state attorney general's July 1999
report on the state police, which concluded that minority troopers were
subjected to ``disparate treatment'' inside the force.

Dunbar quoted the report, stating, ``There was also concern expressed by
some (troopers) that if discrimination is tolerated in the ways in which
troopers treat one another, then it may also be tolerated in the ways in
which a trooper interacts with the public.''

That report followed the attorney general's landmark April 1999 report
concluding that some troopers had engaged in racial profiling.

Dunbar's newsletter touched off a flurry of negative reaction among
troopers on the Internet.

Capt. James Kenna, a 31-year veteran who says he reads ``Troop
Rumblings'' daily, fired off a letter to Dunbar and then posted it on the
Internet.

``MUCH OF WHAT is contained in your letter is political propaganda, which
was not appropriate for you to send into our homes,'' Kenna wrote.

Kenna is the father of Trooper Jim Kenna, one of two local troopers
indicted on attempted murder charges stemming from the 1998 New Jersey
Turnpike shooting of three young minorities. Kenna's four-page letter,
however, wasn't about his son or the other indicted trooper, John Hogan.
Rather it was written in response to Dunbar's newsletter, which Kenna
called ``denigrating.''

Kenna discredited the two reports on the state police, saying the
attorney general's office has never presented troopers ``with any factual
foundation to support their conclusions.''

``In the case involving the state police, the rank-and-file know that,
for the most part, the allegations are false,'' Kenna wrote. ``Receiving
a letter from the superintendent that presupposes what has been alleged
against the division is accurate and true is extremely demoralizing and
depressing.''

Hagerty said some troopers are overreacting to Dunbar's newsletter, which
was simply a ``good-faith effort to let people know what he is
thinking.''

_ _ _

Electronic mailing lists with a hostile undercurrent are not unique to
the state police.

A major reorganization, a company takeover, a slew of layoffs _ this type
of conflict and change spurs mailing lists, said Ted Goertzel, a
Rutgers-Camden sociology professor who teaches a course about society and
computers and another about ethics and policy in criminal justice.

``It's a sign of low morale,'' Goertzel said. ``It's only when you have a
lot of anger and hostility that you get something like this.''

ANY KIND of internal company upheaval can bring out two types of
employees: the malcontents, a small group of people who do most of the
Internet writing, and the lurkers, the larger group of workers who read
the postings but don't participate, according to Goertzel.

Goertzel said ``Troop Rumblings'' was first brought to his attention last
year by a student whose father is a New Jersey trooper. ``Troop
Rumblings'' started in 1999 and has reached Volume 136 since the Phantom
became cataloging it by volumes in January, according to troopers.

``It really showed the level of morale in the state police and how people
felt betrayed by the governor,'' Goertzel said.

He said although nothing can be or should be done about ``Troop
Rumblings,'' it does make it harder for Dunbar to exert his authority and
to impose new policies, especially unpopular ones.

Part of the problem is the state police is a paramilitary organization
and troopers are not allowed to say what they really think, Goertzel
said.

``If they don't allow people to express themselves, then they'll do it in
these covert kinds of ways,'' Goertzel said.

Hagerty said troopers are free to speak their minds, as long as they
don't discuss investigations or divulge private arrest information or any
other police work deemed confidential by the force.

Under a court ruling reaffirmed by a Superior Court judge about two weeks
ago, troopers must notify their superior 48 hours before they plan to
speak to the media. A superior cannot prohibit the trooper from speaking
as long as the topic isn't confidential.

Dunbar does want troopers to tell him what's on their minds. He has met
face to face with more than 1,500 troopers by attending their training
sessions, and he intends to meet with the entire force, Hagerty said.

``COLONEL DUNBAR, I think, is the first superintendent that has made a
real effort to communicate with individual troopers on a regular basis,''
Hagerty said.

Ed Lennon, president of the New Jersey State Trooper Fraternal
Association, said Dunbar has been more accessible and communicative than
perhaps any of his predecessors.

Though the union doesn't always agree with Dunbar's policies, the
superintendent has done more for troopers than they may realize, Lennon
said. For instance, Dunbar has overturned disciplinary action against a
trooper after simply reviewing the case himself without first holding a
hearing, Lennon said.

``That's unprecedented,'' he said. ``We've always had to go in and fight
for that.''

Lennon said the troopers writing on the Internet don't speak for the
majority.

``I don't regularly read the `Troop Rumblings' because much of it is
baseless rumor, which we try to put a stop to,'' Lennon said.

These are anonymous letters send to a mailing list circulated among New Jersey State Troopers.  The list is maintained by:  NJSPhantom@aol.com
 To whom it may concern,
 Almost immediately after the April 23, Turnpike shooting the Governorcapitulated to the prevailing political winds and installed cameras inTurnpike Troop cars costing $4,000.00 per unit. $4,000.00 cameras yet a yearbefore, Trooper Scott Gonzalez #5059 is shot and killed in the line of dutywith a 15 year old malfunctioning weapon in his hand. It was later learnedthat the weapon had a fatigued spring. The weapon shoots only nine rounds.Most local Police Departments carry weapons that shoot fifteen rounds. Theweapon that failed Trooper Scott Gonzalez on October 24, 1997, is still thestandard issue weapon carried by Jersey Troopers today. Please don't besurprised if our morale is low and our productivity is down.
 $4,000.00 cameras yet Jersey Troop cars still are not equipped with cagesseparating prisoners from Troopers when they are transported. Troopers arespit on, punched, kicked and otherwise assaulted by persons being transported.Troopers have died in the line of duty being attacked by their prisoners.Most local Police Departments have partitions that separate officers from theprisoners they transport. I was once told that cages would greatly reduce theresale value of our Troop cars. Please don't be surprised if our morale islow and our productivity is down.
 $4,000.00 cameras and yet Troop cars are still not equipped with mobilecomputers. Mobile computers greatly enhance officer safety by allowing themto check to see if a car is stolen or a person is wanted before the initialcontact is made. As it stands now Troopers find out only after the initialcontact is made if a person is wanted or a car is stolen. Not only wouldmobile computers enhance officer safety, some say it would enhance officerproductivity. Most local Police Departments have mobile computers in theirpatrol cars. Please don't be surprised if our morale is low andour productivity is down.
 The State and the Turnpike Authority say the funds for the cameras came fromseparate Turnpike accounts and federal funds. Tell that to the next widow ofa Jersey Trooper who dies with a 15 year old malfunctioning weapon in hand orhas his throat slit by a prisoner he was transporting or is lying dead on theside of the road as a stolen car speeds off and his radio dispatcher is askinghim frantically if his "mike is clear?" The widow probably will not want tohear which register the funds for those cameras came from. Please don't besurprised if our morale is low and our productivity is down.
 Our leadership tells us summonses are down and accidents are up. It must bethe Road Troopers fault -- not the 65 M.P.H. speed limit coupled with everincreasing traffic volume on roads designed for 1950s traffic alongside anoverburdened mass transit system. Blame it on the Road Troop. Please don'tbe surprised if our morale is low and our productivity is down.
 After three decades of service our superintendent Colonel Carl Williams isfired for quoting statistics from the annual state uniform crime report by agovernor who makes a racially provocative statement almost immediately afterassuming office saying African American males engage in a game called "jewelsin the crown," by seeing how many children they can father from differentmothers. Now they tell us for the first time in over 75 years they'll lookoutside the "outfit" for our leader. As if we are not capable of leadingourselves. Please don't be surprised if our morale is low or our productivityis down.
 Fellow Troopers with outstanding criminal arrest statistics and excellentreputations who were once showered with ribbons, letters and other accoladesare left to the wolves by the same leadership that once encouraged all of usto be more like them. Troopers who only crime was to take their oath toprotect the citizens of this state so seriously that they risked their lifeand livelihood to attempt to interdict drugs and make our streets safer. Ourbrothers are being cast aside for the sake of political expediency. Pleasedon't be surprised if our morale is low or our productivity isdown.
 Federal, state and local politicians and agencies say they are investigatingour outfit for racial profiling saying our arrests of minorities aredisproportional to the population. Our prisons are a disproportionalrepresentation of the minority population. Is that the Road Trooper's fault?Our New Jersey's 12 Most Wanted is a disproportional representation of thestate's minority population. Is that the RoadTroopers fault? Is it the Fugitive Unit's fault? The minority population isdisproportional in its representation of the poor. Is that the Road Trooper'sfault? Perhaps it's the politician's fault. They are the ones who createdthe economic infrastructure. They are the ones who "divided up the pie." Thepolice just try to hold the imperfect and fragile system together with adegree of order. A thankless job apparently. Please don't be surprised ifour morale is low or our productivity is down.
 The Federal Government is saying it is going to investigate the State Policefor racial profiling. This is the same federal government that admits toracially profiling in our airports in an effort to combat terrorism. Pleasedon't be surprised if our morale is low or our productivity is down.
 Everyday we're slammed in the electronic and print media. Our own friends andrelatives question us. We work in an already incredibly dangerous job madeeven more so by these racial allegations. We are less safe on the road sincethese allegations. The Road Trooper has been abandoned by their leadership,their union and the politicians of this state. But let me make one thingclear -- we will never abandon the citizens of this state, black, white orbrown. But please don't be surprised if our morale is low or our productivityis down.
 A Trooper
 Phantom, My buddy just graduated from the FBI and out of a class of 30 people.
 There was one black male and four women. Those percentages sound muchworse than ours. Yet they can still require a college degree. Maybe theNAACP should investigate.
 Phantom, First, I feel I must congratulate Governor Whitman (Queenie), onher recent accomplishment, what a coward she is. By groveling at the feetof the Black Ministers Council and appeasing to their every whim and desire,she has successfully destroyed the morale and reputation of the New JerseyState Police, one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the UnitedStates. She has succumbed to an organization that is hiding behind the guise ofbeing men of God when in fact they have ulterior motives. We needed newequipment, they demanded that the patrol cars beequipped with video cameras, and low and behold, they get them. They wanted ColonelWilliams fired, and he's fired. Why was he fired, for telling the truth, that'swhy? What in the world will the "ministers" want next, complete immunity of all laws for all people of African American descent. That appears to be what's on the horizon. That reminds me of something Governor Whitman stated nottoo long ago, and I quote, "And as regards to the unwed mothers, there's a game called "jewels in the crown" that young black maleshave, and it is how many children you can have out of wed lock. You can't legislate againstthat. She called Colonel Williams statement insensitive, what can wecall hers? She has officially become a political pawn. She has also furtherendangered the lives of Trooperas well as the law abiding citizens ofthe state of New Jersey. She may as well relinquish her chair in the State House towhich ever one the ministers that wants it. Oh, by the way, good luck to herin her quest for a Senate seat. NOT! (I guess I was right, Queeniewithdrew from the race!!!!!) Now, regarding the "ministers." This is an organization with ties to the radical Al Sharpton and the hate group The Nation ofIslam, which is lead by the racist Louis Farrakhan. This group, by the way, should notbe confused with the Islamic religion. The ministers seem to bedetermined to defend and exonerate African Americans who have been arrested for various crimes, including the possession of controlled dangerous substances,and in many people's opinions, condone these individual's illegal activities. One would think that being church affiliated, they would applaud thearrests of these individuals and be delighted to know that the world would bea safer place for law abiding citizens to live in. But no! They scream racism and demand an investigation into why African American are being arrested in disproportionate amounts compared to their percentage in thepopulation. Their time would be better spent in the communities teaching about theperil s of drug use and crime in general and here is why I suggest just that. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations statistics(its on the F.B.I. website Dunbar), 28% of African American males will enter stateor federal prison during their lifetime compared to 16% of Hispanic malesand 4.4% of white males. To just focus on homicide rates for now, and Iquote from the web site, "Racial differences do exist, with AfricanAmericans disproportionately represented among homicide victims andoffenders, this according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations SupplementaryHomicide Reports. From 1976 to 1997, 94% of the African American victims werekilled by African Americans, while 85% of the white victims were killed by whites. Not to belabor the statistics, African Americans are 7 times morelikely to be murdered than whites and are also 8 times more likely to commit murder than whites are. Talk about disproportionate numbers. It may appear that I am attacking the African American community, Iam not. I have friends that are African American both in the State Police and out. I am merely stating facts and reiterating that these socalled leaders address the problems in the African American community rather thanblaming us for doing our jobs. When people are stopped on the roadways, theyare stopped for committing a motor vehicle violation. If, during thecourse of the stop illegal activities are detected, an arrest is made. Alllaw abiding citizens should be happy that criminals, regardless of their race, arebeing removed from society. Lets start placing the blame where it belongs,with the people who perpetrate the crimes, not those who apprehend them. People of all races should unite to denounce drugs and crime, notattack the people who sometimes give their very lives to protect them.
 I wish I could provide my name but, as all the road Troopers know, the repercussions would be severe. I would undoubtedly be called aracist and would be either suspended or fired. To be a State Trooper or aPoliceman today, you effectively give up your right to freedom of speech, be theymora l or political, just ask Colonel Williams. You may ask then why do Iand others like myself continue to "do the job." I do thejob a nd every Trooper does the job to make a difference in some ones life. It may not betoday, tomorrow or next week, but someone will be happy that I chose the path that I have taken.
 A Troopers Trooper, A Cops Cop
 Troops, NJ 101.5 on the hour news report today spoke of the "New State Police Class under looser standards." John Hagerty stated that as of now 30% of the class will be minority males and 11% female. The class has only completed phase one the C-20 physical and is in the process of the second phase the oral boards.
 Former state attorney general James R. Zazzali of Rumson appears headed to the New Jersey Supreme Court, after the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved his appointment as justice Monday.
 Zazzali is Whitman's sixth appointee to the state's highest court. Her previous appointments consisted of two judges and three Cabinet members. The Queen said she sought diversity on the bench in this latest appointment.
 Why hasn't there been an outcry over the lack of minorities on the State Supreme Court? This Governor has reshaped the Court with 3 white women and two white men, and only one minority male. Isn't the Queen against ending nepotism also? Just look at her Court where 50% of her appointees are former cabinet members. Only 50% of her appointees were ever judges!
 Hello, Reverend Jackson and Star-Alledger are you listening? Isn't this your platform?
 Speaking of Reverend Jackson, hasn't he been very quiet lately? Is it any coincidence that it is almost the new fiscal year and at that time last year the Governor gave him a $250,000 dollar grant for his church.
 Speaking of the Supreme Court, here is just one case that concerns Police Departments and contracts (Note to Superintendent, read this).
 HERE ARE YOUR COMMENTS
 

 Under Article VIII, Promotions section A. Promotions to Trooper II and Trooper I, in the latest agreement dated July 1, 1996 through
 June 30, 2000 it says;
 1. Promotions to Trooper II and Trooper I are based on the law and the annual appropriation provided.
 2. Commanders shall submit the names of all eligible personnel for promotional consideration and any recommendations of Station Commanders, staff and subordinate officers to the Superintendent.
 3. a. All promotions are probationary for one (1) year during which time the individual must meet the requirement of the new rank or grade as established by the Superintendent. Failure to meet the requirements will subject the individual to reduction to former rank or grade.
 b. When conditions warrant, the Superintendent may extend the probationary period an additional six (6) months.
 No where in the contract does it give the Superintendent the right to withhold these promotions.
 Beyond that, Constitutionally all men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law. So should my promotion be held back and my family and my reputation branded with false allegations because I was stupid enough to go out and do my job? Do I deserve to get an unsubstantiated complaint against me because the State Police and the Governor solicited these complaints to appease a voting block? It's up to me to clear my name because nobody in the Attorney Generals Office or the State Police will ever lift a finger.
 So to the Colonel thank you for the additional financial burden you have placed on my family with the loss of pay and the cost of a private attorney and lawsuit to get what we the 113th class members are legally entitled to. What's the message here? The old Sergeant Shultz mentality, I see nothing will get you a pay check every two weeks, no internals complaints, and all your promotions. Thanks for the support Colonel, and what's that number for EAP?
 Sparticus II Hopeful
 Dear Phantom, Where does this N.A.R.T. get off! These rumblings are for Troopers, not Fish! He needs to realize that is doesn't matter how good of a Trooper he thinks he is, he is not a Trooper and never will be. He did not go through what myself and the other Troopers of the other 118 classes went through. He went to Mickey Mouse school, ran about a mile a day, learned some 39 and got a badge. Let me ask you this N.A.R.T.: Did you live at Sea Girt for 22 weeks and get woken up 4 out of 5 nights from much needed sleep, while you were running 5 miles a day, swimming for 2 hours, boxing for 2 hours and mowing the lawn in front of building 8 during you free time. Did you do guard duty from 9-12 only to be woken up for a fire drill at 1am which lasted for 2 hours and cut your sleep to 3 hours total for the next day? Did you have someone telling you to throw your food away after you took two bites? Did you go through a year long process, inspecting, investigating, interrogating every facet of your life just to be able to go through Sea Girt? Were you one of 100-150 out of thousands who competed for the spot and made it? What we went through makes us proud to be Troopers. Not many people did it, get the opportunity to experience, or can even survive it. Just becoming a Trooper bonds every Trooper together for life. You didn't do what we did. When you got your badge, was that the proudest day of your life? It was for me. I went through the hardest time of my life and I earned it, PERIOD! You did not earn anything. You are a joke and I would have gotten a different job before skating into a highly honored and prestigious job like being a Trooper. And another thing to all you NART's, stop hazing the 117 and 118 classes. I don't give a shit what your badge number is, they all will always outrank you in every way conceivable. Once again, you did not do what we did so do not act as if you are one of us. As the Rock says, "Know your role and shut your mouth!"
 PHANTOM, I remember in an earlier edition you put Corzine's e-mail address on one of the rumblings. Can you please post it again so we can E-mail this tub of hot air and bombard him with some truth's about our organization. Hope one of us stops him someday so we can show him how non discriminatory we really are. I never thought I would ever say this, but I think I'm actually going to vote for Florio. He gave us a good contract and I think he has learned from his mistakes in the early 90's. I think he got the point and matured as a politician. Also speaking of N.R.T.'s I heard a story, and someone please confirm it if it's true, that a Totowa or Somerville Trooper stopped a N.R.T.'s wife for going over 100 mph, and she showed no respect for the Trooper, had a major attitude, and had to be put in her place. Can anyone confirm this? And I must not leave without addressing Ret. 59th. Glad to see your retired. You probably inhaled too much fresh air from running by the canal every day. Or maybe too much chlorine from swimming in the pool every day. Or was it that you got hit in the head with a basketball during one of your daily games. Not all of us had a free ticket to Disney Land. Some of us are still up doing accidents when you get up at 3 am to take your 3rd piss cause of your prostate problems. Were you one of the guys that they had to send T.E.A.M.S. in on your 55th B-day to get your car and gear? Give it up. You really pissed off the men by telling us how embarrassed you are of us. May God Bless You Anyway cause even though your getting senile your still one of us and we will just have to deal with you. (Hope my spell check didn't miss anything)
 Road Dawg!
 Dear Troops, I think it is a disgrace that the state had to lower the standardsfor new recruits so that minorities can get in. If your that dumb that weneed to lower the scores to let you in then go be a lawyer or something.Way to go NAACP you must be really proud of the intelligence of the people you
 represent. They are on the same educational level as Sharpton. Also,troops on the big road, Just an idea: How about start locking people up again?The proven numbers will surface and make Dunbar look bad when 85% areminorities (Again) then he will have to explain what Williams tried to. (Just athought) Stay safe and realize that it's only a matter of time that the guy orgirl working next to you may not be as qualified as you. Thanks Rev.Jackson! your really doing the people of the state a BIG injustice. A Qualified Road Dawg!
 Dear Phantom: A friend of mine took the SP Physical (C-20) for the 119th classon Monday and out of 11 people only 4 passed!!! God Help the SP!!! A TROOPER
 Phantom, I heard something that is very outrageous if true. I have heardthat the queen mother has sent out feelers to see if the State Police can hire a
 baby-sitting service to care for the recruits children when they are in
 the new academy, 9-5 Monday - Friday. This I heard was due to the fact that many mothers have expressed disinterest in attending the academybecause they have nobody to care for their children while they are in theacademy for eight (8) hours a day. What are they kidding I guess they will graduatethe academy, if you have any doubt that they will through out a minorityfrom the academy, your are a fool, but when they do graduate I guess they shouldjust give them a division job, have a baby-sitting service at division andmake them all Captains? I was just wondering if anyone else had heard this.
 What a joke, why don't we do like a lot of local departments do, just give then a badge and make them Troopers even before they go tothe academy.
 Dear Phantom: I recently attended court and have discovered that municipalprosecutor's are now reluctant to plea bargain many traffic violations. A court that
 usually runs about three hours now runs about eight, because of so many
 trials that must be heard. Well, sergeants let your men take pay forthese new found court SUPPS, who is going to cover the road when the wholesquad is on trial at the same time? Well, this is the way They want it, thenthey can get it that way.
 Secondly, it has been brought to my attention that the col. hassaid to stay out of certain towns in the shore area, hey colonel I believe thatis malfeasance of duty as a sworn law enforcement officer. If I see aviolation in one of those communities I must act upon it. I think we shouldcontact the new watchdog Mr. Neafsy. Let us ask some Union County correctionsofficers what happens when you are found guilty of not performing your duty, Mr.
 Dunbar choose you words wisely.
 LET US UNITE AND KILL THEM BY THEIR RULES Signed a trooper who is fed up already
 Dear Phantom: While attending one of the superintendent's listening tours, Icouldn't help but wonder what he and all the people who feel they are owedsomething are going to do when the dust settles. After he has concluded presidingover the destruction of this once proud organization and after all reliefremedies have been exhausted, the day of reckoning will be upon politicians andthe minority community. Racial profiling, employment discrimination, being bypassed by cab drivers and the such make up a small percentage of the problems facing the minority community (of which I'm a proud albeitmany times embarrassed member).
 After all the lawsuits and benefits have been enjoyed by a selectfew, the minority community will still be forced to face the very realproblems of not measuring up during standardized testing and attending schools thathave been allowed to graduate less than competent students. This is the real
 outrage. So the question that begs is why is this allowed to continue?Why are not our politicians and minority leaders (and the superintendent)?not marching down to these schools and demanding the head of each teacher?I resent knowing I will always be eyed suspiciously because my governmenthas set up an unequal set of standards for their citizens. Why hasn't our government instead taken up the fight to make sure we can score as wellas our white counterparts on standardized tests? The answer is simple.Because that would entail fighting a powerful teachers union who would be ableto point out the reality - many kids show up for school under nourished,tired and not really interested in learning. That many of these schools havebeen transformed into surrogate parental centers. That sound parentalinvolvement is sorely lacking in many minority homes. That ultimately it is theminority community itself that needs to be called to task. Any politician wouldbe loathe to attempt "this medicine will taste bad but ultimately be goodfor you" approach. Any desire to do the right thing is quickly snuffed whenfaced with a very liberal media, racial agitators and a majority communitythat (God only knows why) sits idly by. So we are left with a vicious cyclethat will only serve to postpone the day of epiphany if you are an optimist,
 comeuppance if a cynic or reckoning for us realists.
 On a side note, I also hope my grammatical is up to standards, butthen again who cares if I happen to slipped up, after all we're Troopers right? 5029, oops I mean Sparticus
 Well, Phantom, I guess that I was a little bit too optimistic about the futurehere in the NJSP. Until today, when I was interviewed for my first 251. Ipopped my cherry and have realized that being on the road means being subject tothe most ridiculous complaints ever imagined. Thank you for destroying the
 credibility of a formerly outstanding agency and making someoutstanding troopers enemies of the state, Queen bitch. You really opened my eyesand I hope you rot in hell and I can't wait until your term is over. It's toobad you grew up with the silver spoon up your ass, oops, I mean in yourmouth and have no clue what it's like to do what we do.
 When does the 1-800 Report a Shitty Governor hotline open? PS,teach your kid how to defend his sorry ass (and tell him the legal age to drink is21). Stick together, road dogs. Gladly waiting until you're gone, BOOT DO NOTHING SPARTACUS
 Phantom, A short point. Anyone in a position of leadership that tells hismen things such as," I'm not here to motivate you; If you don't like it youdon't have to stay, I motivate you by paying you," has no idea what it is tobe a leader. The Col. obviously wants to keep his distance.
 I was completely surprised at his poor communications skills and disconnected thinking. Granted many Troopers asked silly questions, buttough questions were met by rambling and unintelligible commentary. This mandoes not seem to know what he's doing or someone else is pulling thestrings.
 I'd like to know what his position is on the issue ofprofiling. Since the advent of the cameras, the bigoted and racist State Policewas supposed to be exposed for what it was. Instead, we have motorist after
 motorist making false accusations against professional men and women,yet no one admits it. It turned out to be a big DUD!
 I would like the col. to send us a letter thanking us forshowing ourselves to be the professional men and women that we are.
 Phantom, Here is why we will never go to the 8 hour day; if we did, whatwould Dumbar use to hold over our heads?? The 10 hour day is the ONLYincentive left to do this job. Here are some others: Traveling 30+ miles towork, dealing with 20+ courts, crime fighting permanently suspended,internals entertained for doing your job, guns that break, and I almostforgot--2Bar wants to change our uniforms!!
 As for the 12 hour day, if you're looking for me, I'll be snoozingin a nice wooded cut. 2 rush hours and 2 hours of travel time to and fromwork. I will not compromise my safety to work 14 hour days.
 As for the 8 squads who left early that Dum (I have weekends andholidays off) Bar is using as an excuse to end 10 hour days, I guess I'll beputting in for pay the many days I stay 20-30 minutes late because of a latecall
 BYTEMEEK ERNAL #1921
 PS: I used the last news letter to clean up my dog's shit in mybackyard!!!!!
 Dear Troops, I think it is a disgrace that the state had to lower the standardsfor new recruits so that minorities can get in. If your that dumb that weneed to lower the scores to let you in then go be a lawyer or something.Way to go NAACP you must be really proud of the intelligence of the people you
 represent. They are on the same educational level as Sharpton. Also,troops on the big road, Just an idea: How about start locking people up again?The proven numbers will surface and make Dunbar look bad when 85% areminorities (Again) then he will have to explain what Williams tried to. (Just athought) Stay safe and realize that it's only a matter of time that the guy orgirl working next to you may not be as qualified as you. Thanks Rev.Jackson! your really doing the people of the state a BIG injustice. A Qualified Road Dawg!
 Dear Phantom: A friend of mine took the SP Physical (C-20) for the 119th classon Monday and out of 11 people only 4 passed!!! God Help the SP!!! A TROOPER
 Phantom, I heard something that is very outrageous if true. I have heardthat the queen mother has sent out feelers to see if the State Police can hire a
 baby-sitting service to care for the recruits children when they are in
 the new academy, 9-5 Monday - Friday. This I heard was due to the fact that many mothers have expressed disinterest in attending the academybecause they have nobody to care for their children while they are in theacademy for eight (8) hours a day. What are they kidding I guess they will graduatethe academy, if you have any doubt that they will through out a minorityfrom the academy, your are a fool, but when they do graduate I guess they shouldjust give them a division job, have a baby-sitting service at division andmake them all Captains? I was just wondering if anyone else had heard this.
 What a joke, why don't we do like a lot of local departments do, just give then a badge and make them Troopers even before they go tothe academy.
 Dear Phantom: I recently attended court and have discovered that municipalprosecutor's are now reluctant to plea bargain many traffic violations. A court that
 usually runs about three hours now runs about eight, because of so many
 trials that must be heard. Well, sergeants let your men take pay forthese new found court SUPPS, who is going to cover the road when the wholesquad is on trial at the same time? Well, this is the way They want it, thenthey can get it that way.
 Secondly, it has been brought to my attention that the col. hassaid to stay out of certain towns in the shore area, hey colonel I believe thatis malfeasance of duty as a sworn law enforcement officer. If I see aviolation in one of those communities I must act upon it. I think we shouldcontact the new watchdog Mr. Neafsy. Let us ask some Union County correctionsofficers what happens when you are found guilty of not performing your duty, Mr.
 Dunbar choose you words wisely.
 LET US UNITE AND KILL THEM BY THEIR RULES Signed a trooper who is fed up already
 Dear Phantom: While attending one of the superintendent's listening tours, Icouldn't help but wonder what he and all the people who feel they are owedsomething are going to do when the dust settles. After he has concluded presidingover the destruction of this once proud organization and after all reliefremedies have been exhausted, the day of reckoning will be upon politicians andthe minority community. Racial profiling, employment discrimination, being bypassed by cab drivers and the such make up a small percentage of the problems facing the minority community (of which I'm a proud albeitmany times embarrassed member).
 After all the lawsuits and benefits have been enjoyed by a selectfew, the minority community will still be forced to face the very realproblems of not measuring up during standardized testing and attending schools thathave been allowed to graduate less than competent students. This is the real
 outrage. So the question that begs is why is this allowed to continue?Why are not our politicians and minority leaders (and the superintendent)?not marching down to these schools and demanding the head of each teacher?I resent knowing I will always be eyed suspiciously because my governmenthas set up an unequal set of standards for their citizens. Why hasn't our government instead taken up the fight to make sure we can score as wellas our white counterparts on standardized tests? The answer is simple.Because that would entail fighting a powerful teachers union who would be ableto point out the reality - many kids show up for school under nourished,tired and not really interested in learning. That many of these schools havebeen transformed into surrogate parental centers. That sound parentalinvolvement is sorely lacking in many minority homes. That ultimately it is theminority community itself that needs to be called to task. Any politician wouldbe loathe to attempt "this medicine will taste bad but ultimately be goodfor you" approach. Any desire to do the right thing is quickly snuffed whenfaced with a very liberal media, racial agitators and a majority communitythat (God only knows why) sits idly by. So we are left with a vicious cyclethat will only serve to postpone the day of epiphany if you are an optimist,
 comeuppance if a cynic or reckoning for us realists.
 On a side note, I also hope my grammatical is up to standards, butthen again who cares if I happen to slipped up, after all we're Troopers right? 5029, oops I mean Sparticus
 Well, Phantom, I guess that I was a little bit too optimistic about the futurehere in the NJSP. Until today, when I was interviewed for my first 251. Ipopped my cherry and have realized that being on the road means being subject tothe most ridiculous complaints ever imagined. Thank you for destroying the
 credibility of a formerly outstanding agency and making someoutstanding troopers enemies of the state, Queen bitch. You really opened my eyesand I hope you rot in hell and I can't wait until your term is over. It's toobad you grew up with the silver spoon up your ass, oops, I mean in yourmouth and have no clue what it's like to do what we do.
 When does the 1-800 Report a Shitty Governor hotline open? PS,teach your kid how to defend his sorry ass (and tell him the legal age to drink is21). Stick together, road dogs. Gladly waiting until you're gone, BOOT DO NOTHING SPARTACUS
 Phantom, A short point. Anyone in a position of leadership that tells hismen things such as," I'm not here to motivate you; If you don't like it youdon't have to stay, I motivate you by paying you," has no idea what it is tobe a leader. The Col. obviously wants to keep his distance.
 I was completely surprised at his poor communications skills and disconnected thinking. Granted many Troopers asked silly questions, buttough questions were met by rambling and unintelligible commentary. This mandoes not seem to know what he's doing or someone else is pulling thestrings.
 I'd like to know what his position is on the issue ofprofiling. Since the advent of the cameras, the bigoted and racist State Policewas supposed to be exposed for what it was. Instead, we have motorist after
 motorist making false accusations against professional men and women,yet no one admits it. It turned out to be a big DUD!
 I would like the col. to send us a letter thanking us forshowing ourselves to be the professional men and women that we are.
 Phantom, Here is why we will never go to the 8 hour day; if we did, whatwould Dumbar use to hold over our heads?? The 10 hour day is the ONLYincentive left to do this job. Here are some others: Traveling 30+ miles towork, dealing with 20+ courts, crime fighting permanently suspended,internals entertained for doing your job, guns that break, and I almostforgot--2Bar wants to change our uniforms!!
 As for the 12 hour day, if you're looking for me, I'll be snoozingin a nice wooded cut. 2 rush hours and 2 hours of travel time to and fromwork. I will not compromise my safety to work 14 hour days.
 As for the 8 squads who left early that Dum (I have weekends andholidays off) Bar is using as an excuse to end 10 hour days, I guess I'll beputting in for pay the many days I stay 20-30 minutes late because of a latecall
 BYTEMEEK ERNAL #1921
 PS: I used the last news letter to clean up my dog's shit in mybackyard!!!!!
 POLITICS VERSUS JUSTICE May 16, 2000

 Carson J. Dunbar, Jr. Superintendent New Jersey State Police
 Dear Col. Dunbar:
 I received your newsletter of May 1, 2000 and decided I had respond tosome of the comments you made in the letter, as you refer to them as"personal feelings and policy." I decided to use this forum since the newslettercan be utilized to elicit responses from all members of the Division on the topics you have discussed.
 Much of what is contained in your letter is political propaganda whichwas not appropriate for you to send into our homes. You have, in essence, violated the sanctity of our homes and offended families members whodid not need to be offended. Isn't it enough that sworn members have had toendure the political and media assaults, without our superintendent forcingthem into our homes? You took a liberty that you were not entitled to take.
 To me the newsletter was very depressing and at times denigrating tothose of us to whom it was written. More important, it was offensive to family members who also read the letter. I agree with your sense about theanger throughout the Division and your assessment concerning rumors. Yourcomment about many individuals being obsessed with information that has almostno foundation was particularly interesting. Members of the Division havebeen continuously exposed to a barrage of information that has almost no foundation for almost two years. Most of this information has beenprinted in the media, presented on television, and disseminated through theAG's interim and final reports. I include the AG's interim and finalreports because we have never been provided with any factual foundation tosupport their conclusions.
 Although you surrender to the fact that there is no way for you tobring an end to rumors, I believe there is a way to end rumor. Present thefacts. Fact will always suppress rumor. So far the facts have been denied tothe rank and file of the Division, as well as the public. When anallegation or accusation is constantly repeated, even though it may be false orwithout substance, eventually people come to believe it. "It must be true, Ikeep reading it in the papers or seeing it on television, and no one in aposition of authority is refuting what is being alleged." Rumor becomesespecially credible when it is presented by people in authority or are of some notoriety. It doesn't make it true but people will have a tendency to believe that it is true. And so rumors can be very frustrating. Not presenting a factual account enables rumors to continue and gaincredibility. In the case involving the State Police, the rank and file know that,for the most part, the allegations are false. Unfortunately, perception is not reality and the reality of the situation is that much of which has been written is not founded in fact. Recent statistics reluctantly released by the Whitman administrationbear this out. Either troopers continue to racially profile as they havebeen accused in the past, or the issue of racial profiling has been totallyblown out of proportion.
 I think everyone within the Division, and many outside the Division forthat matter, realizes that the State Police has been treated unfairly.Receiving a letter from the Superintendent that presupposes what has been alleged against the Division is accurate and true is extremely demoralizing anddepressing. You know, as well as I that many members of the Divisionhave been the subject of a campaign to discredit the State Police andprovide proof that the AG's report is somehow valid. When senior members of the
 Division are subjected to unfair and disrespectful treatment tovalidate unproven allegations intolerance prevails. Your zero tolerance againstunfair treatment and disrespectful behavior seems hollow for many of us,including those from the retired ranks.
 I found your position to not address numerous civil court filings disingenuous. You will not comment on these matters because you werenot here when the described actions allegedly occurred. There have been manymatters which occurred when you were not here, yet you have spoken out and onthese issues, racial profiling and institutionalized discrimination, forexample. It would appear that you speak out on the issues that affect some of usand choose not to speak when it affects other members of the organization.
 Even though certain facts are unknown to you, you threaten disciplineif there is any indication of unfair or disrespectful treatment of anyemployee. Exactly what that means, I do not know. I do know that many of ushave been treated unfairly and disrespectfully and no one has come to our aid orspoken out for us. I would have hoped that you would assume members of theState Police are professionals and the need to warn and threaten them in a newsletter not necessary. Again, to receive such comments in a lettersent to our homes is disturbing and for many of us embarrassing.
 All any of us has to do is examine the credibility of the Whitman administration and the AG's office of late. The Baron AA indictmentsand the Michael Francis trial, to mention only two, are examples of incidents affecting the Administration's credibility. Judge Delehey dismissedthe Baron indictments due to prosecutorial misconduct. And afteracquitting (and not allowing the matter to go to the jury) Francis of corruptioncharges Judge Smithson commented, "Usually when there is smoke, there is fire, however in this case, there is not one scintilla of evidence to suggestthat Francis did what he is accused." In light of these two recent criminal
proceedings, I would be very careful to embrace any position the AGtakes against the State Police. To me it is "crystal" clear that the AG'soffice has a propensity to embellish and lodge false accusations.
 I especially take exception to your convenient use of the phrase, "I,like you, know that for the actions of a few." This phrase and others likeit have often been used to support what has not yet been proven. And itis always used by those who are not affected by this insensitive comment.I realize it a safe comment to make, but who are the few? who are the 10 percent? You see, that is the hard part, identifying the 270 membersthat you allude to; or is it only 135 (5%) or maybe just two who have causedthe State Police problems for the past 30 years. These types of commentsare not based on facts, there is no foundation to support them; they are unfairand disrespectful. When you point the finger at the group, you point it atme and many of the people I have worked with for the past 31 years, activeand retired. It is easy to point at the organization and say someone inthere is a racist or a bigot. It is difficult to name the person; it is also irresponsible not to do so.
 I have always espoused this credo: If a member engages in inappropriate conduct, he or she must be disciplined or even dismissed from the organization, we are duty bound to purge that member for the good ofthe organization. But if the member is innocent, then we are also dutybound to clear his or her name and reputation." Many of us, active and formermembers have been falsely and maliciously maligned and not one person hasfulfilled their duty to these members.
 May I suggest that you take the time to finally identify the "few" towhom you refer to in your letter and target them with future newsletters andnot subject the rest of us and our family members to this insult. Fixingthe State Police, if it is in fact broken, will not be accomplished bypainting everyone with the same broad brush. Debasing the membership as you doin your newsletter will not benefit anyone.
 I certainly appreciate what you are trying to accomplish, I wish,however, that you would embrace all of our members and be their advocate, their spokesperson. There are too many good people in this organization and especially those who are retired, for them not to be supported. Thereis a perception that you are not supporting the organization, but merelytrying to perpetuate the party line. That may or may not be true. In the realworld, reality is more important than perception, in the political world,perception is more important than reality.
 The current assault on the State Police and the majority of its currentand former members is extreme, but the fabric which makes up the StatePolice, Tradition, Discipline and Training, is strong and it is my sensestronger than those who wish to destroy it.
 Passion and anger are part and parcel of a person's emotionalcomposition and should not be confused with a person's emotional state. Too many of ushave been muzzled and handcuffed far too long and we are tired of it. Weare battered and bruised, but not defeated, and I believe our resolve will eventually carry the day for us.
 I thank you for providing me the opportunity to exercise which many ofus in the State Police have been denied - free speech. I trust that you will accept my response in the manner it was intended; in the best interestof the Division and all of its members.
 Sincerely, Captain James Kenna New Jersey State Police
 P.S. I realize that this is a four page letter response to a one page newsletter; if I were able to write clearly and concisely I would havesimply quoted Padraric Pearse (1916):
 THE REBEL
 "We are tired of your judges, your lawyers and your writs. We will have it out with ye, ye that have harried and held. Ye that have bullied and bribed. Tyrants, Hypocrites, Liars!"
 GOD SAVE THE NJSP
 Phantom, First, I feel I must congratulate Governor Whitman (Queenie), onher recent accomplishment, what a coward she is. By groveling at thefeet of the Black Ministers Council and appeasing to their every whim and desire,she has successfully destroyed the morale and reputation of the New JerseyState Police, one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the UnitedStates. She has succumbed to an organization that is hiding behind the guise ofbeing men of God when in fact they have ulterior motives. We needed newequipment, they, demanded that the patrol cars be equipped with video cameras, and low and behold, they get them. They wanted ColonelWilliams fired, and he's fired. Why was he fired, for telling the truth, that'swhy? What in the world will the "ministers" want next,complete mmunity of all laws for all people of African American decent. That appears to bewhat's o n the horizon. That reminds me of something Governor Whitman stated nottoo long ago, and I quote, "And as regards to the unwed mothers,there's a game caled "jewels in the crown" that young black males have, and i's how many children you can have out of wed lock. You can't legislate againstthat." She called Colonel William's statement insensitive, what can wecall hers? She has officially become a political pawn. She has also furtherendangered the lives of Troopers as well as the law abiding citizens ofthe s ate of New Jersey. She may as well relinquish her chair in the State House towhic h ever one the ministers that wants it. Oh, by the way, good luck to herin her quest for a Senate seat. NOT! (I guess I was right, Queeniewithdrew from the race!!!!!) Now, regarding the "ministers." This is anorganization with ties to the radical Al Sharpton and the hate group The Nation ofIslam, which is lead by the racist Louis Farrakhan. This group, by the way, should notbe confused with the Islamic religion. The ministers seem to bedetermined to defend and exonerate African Americans who have been arrested for various crimes, including the possession of controlled dangerous substances,and in many peoples opinions, condone these individuals illegalactivities. One would think that being church affiliated, they would applaud thearrests of these individuals and be delighted to know that the world would bea safer place for law abiding citizens to live in. But no! They scream racism
 and demand an investigation into why African Americans are being arrested in disproportionate amounts compared to their percentage in thepopulation. Their time would be better spent in the communities teaching about theperils of drug use and crime in general and here is why I suggest just that. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations statistics it's on the F.B.I. website Dunbar), 28% of African American males will enter stateor federal prison during their lifetime compared to 16% of Hispanic malesand 4.4% of white males. To just focus on homicide rates for now, and Iquote from the web site, "Racial differences do exist, with AfricanAmerians disproportionately represented among homicide victims andoffenders,E280 9D this according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations SupplementaryHomicide Reports. From 1976 to 1997, 94% of the African American victims werekille d by African Americans, while 85% of the white victims were killed by whites. Not to belabor the statistics, African Americans are 7 times morelikely to be murdered than whites and are also 8 times more likely to commit
 murder than whites are. Talk about disproportionate numbers. It may appear that I am attacking the African American community, Iam not. I have friends that are African American both in the State Police
 and out. I am merely stating facts and reiterating that these socalled leaders address the problems in the African American community rather thanblaming u s for doing our jobs. When people are stopped on the roadways, theyare stopped for committing a motor vehicle violation. If, during thecourse of the stop illegal activities are detected, an arrest is made. Alllaw abidin g citizens should be happy that criminals, regardless of their race, arebeing removed from society. Lets start placing the blame where it belongs,with the people who perpetrate the crimes, not those who apprehend them. People of all races should unite to denounce drugs and crime, notattack the people who sometimes give their very lives to protect them.
 I wish I could provide my name but, as all the road Troopers know, the repercussions would be severe. I would undoubtedly be called aracist and would be either suspended or fired. To be a State Trooper or aPoliceman today, you effectively give up your right to freedom of speech, be theymora l or political, just ask Colonel Williams. You may ask then why do Iand others like myself continued to "do the job." I do thejob and every Trooper does the job to make a difference in some ones life. It may not betoday, tomorrow or next week, but someone will be happy that I chose the path that I have taken.
 A Troopers Trooper, A Cops Cop
 Dear Phantom, I guess Agent Dunbar must be really proud of the fact that thepercentages of minority's who passed S.P. exam has risen. If I were aminority, (Not the white one that I am), but one of "color," I wouldfeelinsulted, and humiliated that the requirements had to be lowered and thetestmade easier so that I was able to become a trooper. It is a direct slapinthe face to all troopers regardless of race that our organization hasloweredthe bar on the high standards set forth through the years. Col. N.Schwarzkopf badge # 1 stated that he wanted to "form an organizationthat washard to get into, and even harder to stay in." He must be spinning inhisgrave watching what the queen and agent Dunbar is doing to his belovedorganization. Wait and see what happens to the organization over theyearswhen these unqualified people get in and the years go by. Oh, and bythe wayI wonder if the FBI is going to drop their college requirements to getmoreminorities in, or medical schools and law schools for that matter.HavingDunbar run our organization is equivalent to taking someone from theairforceand putting him in charge of the marine corps. The two are separategroups,and think differently. Having an FBI agent run our organization isabsurd.We need a leader not an airman first class.Be safe all road dawgs and look over your shoulder at all times. !They're looking for more sacrificial lambs.