As a Councilwoman and fellow Moorestonian, I am proud to express my gratitude and support for the men and women of our police force.
These individuals dedicate their lives to bringing us security each and every day and I believe we must do all that we can to protect and support our officers in their mission.
Recently, I have received criticism for a Council vote in which I declined to support a resolution accepting an armored military vehicle for our municipal police force. While some have characterized this decision as reflecting a lack of support for our police, nothing could be further from the truth.
Let me set the record straight. I have consistently supported our police department and its officers throughout my time in office. I have consented to every prior request brought before Council our Police Chief Lieber, including staffing, budgets, training, vehicles, equipment, body cameras, bullet proof vests, equipment and vehicle maintenance, a canine unit and departmental accreditation. My record is consistent and clear in this regard.
The acquisition of armored military vehicles and equipment has been, and continues to be, a controversial issue in not only Moorestown, but also across the country. Many communities around Moorestown do not have an armored military vehicle in their police fleet including Medford, Marlton, Edgewater Park, Bordentown, Pennsauken, and Maple Shade to name a few. Delran shares one with Riverton. Cinnaminson has one but it’s not armored. Camden and Gloucester Counties have them but our own Burlington County does not. It would be silly to draw the conclusion that the communities without an armored Humvee do not support their police force and its officers. Likewise, it is inappropriate to draw a similar conclusion with regard to my position. Clearly, communities can be fully supportive of their police departments and its officers without a military Humvee on its force.
While the armored capability of this vehicle may add value to a municipal police force, I heard from numerous community members that had serious concerns about the particular type of vehicle under consideration. I believe that Council did not adequately address the concerns of these community members and at times, were dismissive of them. It is entirely possible for us, as a community and a Council, to be fully committed to protecting our police officers and our town, while at the same time holding alternative points of view on specific issues as to how best to achieve that. My “no” vote reflected a viewpoint that is held by many in our community and is not inconsistent with support for our police officers. My record is clear.
I will continue to work hard every day to best serve the interests of our township, residents, and business districts for the benefit of a safe, prosperous, and inclusive Moorestown. As well, I will continue to be an advocate for open and respectful dialogue.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my record and to express my continued support and gratitude for the men and women of our police force.
Lisa Petriello
Moorestown Councilwoman
