A Cherry Hill police officer is set to undergo remedial training following their attendance at the 2021 Street Cop Training conference in Atlantic City, a gathering recently criticized for allegedly promoting unconstitutional tactics and making derogatory remarks about women and minorities. The state comptroller’s office, in a report published on December 6, revealed that nearly 1,000 officers nationwide, including 240 from New Jersey, participated in the event, with 54 police agencies, including Cherry Hill’s, using public funds to send officers.
Police Chief Robert Kempf expressed his disapproval, deeming the teachings at the conference “shameful and indefensible.” In response, the Cherry Hill Police Department has committed to corrective measures and maintaining the highest standards of conduct.
Investigations disclosed that New Jersey entities spent at least $75,000 in public funds on conference attendance, excluding potential costs related to officers’ paid time off and training days. Acting State Comptroller Kevin D. Walsh highlighted the potential legal consequences, emphasizing the risk of lawsuits related to excessive force, unlawful searches and seizures, harassment, and discrimination.
According to the comptroller’s report, conference speakers and instructors made over 100 discriminatory and harassing remarks, including lewd gestures and demeaning comments about women and minorities. The instructors also allegedly glorified violence, endorsed unconstitutional policing tactics during traffic stops, and advocated for a militaristic, “warrior” approach to law enforcement.
Surprisingly, none of the attending officers lodged complaints about the training, as revealed by the comptroller’s investigation.
Street Cop Training, the private company behind the controversial event, issued an apology for any “inappropriate or offensive language.” However, the company contested some of the comptroller’s claims, including the assertion that the training may have been “unconstitutional.”
The alleged use of unconstitutional and discriminatory tactics has raised concerns among attorneys, suggesting that it could jeopardize criminal cases across the state. The aftermath of the conference underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and promoting respectful, lawful law enforcement practices.
