North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. issued a statement regarding Newark Police Chief’s order directing police officers to refer victims of crimes such as simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment to file complaints in municipal court, rather than compile an incident report themselves.

The order has since been corrected by Police Director Eugene Venable, who told nj.com that Newark Police Department is still taking incident reports of all nature. "There have not been any policy changes," Venable said. "Policy is set by the Police Director."

We had a great turnout for our 9th Annual North Ward Halloween Event at Branch Brook Park on Oct. 31.

I want to thank all the volunteers and the sponsors: Mayor Ras Baraka, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, Council President Mildred Crump and Council members at-large Carlos Gonzalez, Edward Osborne and Luis Quintana.

Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. issued the following statement regarding the City of Newark’s new policy directing police officers to refer victims of crimes, such as simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment to file complaints in municipal court, rather than compile an incident report themselves.

“As a member of the City Council and member of the Public Safety Committee, it is simply unacceptable that I was never briefed on this major change affecting the city's ability to respond to the needs of our residents.

Sign my e-petition to reverse this policy.