Vas Promises to End Politics in the Police Department; Demands Transparency to ensure Community Trust

Perth Amboy, N.J. (September 3, 2020) – These are unprecedented times in law enforcement. Communities throughout the country are demanding social justice and police transparency. Yet in Perth Amboy Police Director, Mayor Wilda Diaz, is manipulating the Perth Amboy Police Department like her personal political club.

Even though promotions within the police department are governed by the civil service guidelines, she appointed her campaign manager, Paul Canamela, to the position of Captain despite the fact that he did not take the promotional exam, does not qualify for the position, and there are 3 qualified police officer who continue to wait on the promotional list.

“Not only is a city employee doing political work that benefits the mayor, but she has special influence over him, and he is receiving undue monetary rewards for his political service,” said Vas. “The situation is entirely unfair to the police who are in line for appointments to captain but have been held back so someone with political connections is collecting their paycheck,” Vas stated.

“There are several clear examples of unethical conduct involving Diaz’s abuse of power over the Perth Amboy police department while violent crimes are a daily occurrence and remain unsolved. Sadly, a recent video of Diaz and Chief McKeon advised residents that the recent surge in crime is due to the upcoming election. Doesn’t that sound like Donald Trump?” commented Vas.

“President Trump is trying to destroy the nation’s tradition of democracy, but that’s not an excuse for the Diaz Team to deny our right to debate the issues,” said Vas. “People have real concerns about their safety and 75 percent of the crime reported to Perth Amboy’s police goes unsolved, so it’s wrong to involve these police officers in the Mayor’s political campaign. ”

Furthermore, recent news article highlighted three specific cases of police brutality resulting in costly lawsuits against the city paid for by the taxpayers. “The politicization of the police department is unacceptable and only further erodes the community trust relied upon to be the eyes and ears the department needs to effectively serve,” added Vas.