Summary
Highlights
The video opens by highlighting the Newark Police Department's (NPD) reputation in one of America's most violent cities and how it's under fire for unconstitutional practices. Jelani Cobb, a writer and historian, joins the NPD to observe policing first-hand and explore whether reform is possible while respecting civil rights. Public outcry for police accountability is evident at a city council meeting, where residents share experiences of police misconduct.
In 2014, the Justice Department launched an investigation into the NPD, finding a pattern of unconstitutional stops, searches, and arrests, primarily targeting black residents. The DOJ demanded reform in a city where violence is rampant, with over 300 shootings and 105 murders annually, putting pressure on an underfunded and overstretched police department.
Cobb rides along with the NPD Gang Unit, which is primarily black and Latino, like the community it serves. Officers describe their methods of 'field inquiries' (stop-and-frisk) to hunt for guns, drugs, and gang intelligence. The video captures the unit's efforts, including locating a gun after a chase, revealing the aggressive nature of their work and the daily confrontations with suspected individuals.
Following a busy night, officers Ricardo Reillo and Wilberto Ruiz discuss whether it's possible to ensure community safety while respecting civil rights. They defend their actions, stating it's not about race but about doing their job and going home safely. Cobb shares his own experiences of being stopped and frisked as a young man, highlighting the profound distrust many African Americans have towards the police.
The documentary traces Newark's history of police issues back to the 1967 riots, where police actions fueled community outrage. The Rodney King beating in the early 1990s led to the Justice Department gaining power to investigate local police departments and impose reforms. The DOJ's 49-page report on Newark detailed excessive force, poor documentation, and ineffective internal investigations.
Newark's Mayor Ras Baraka, a former student activist and son of a Black Power movement leader, discusses his personal experiences with police and his commitment to reform. He works with his appointed police director, Eugene Venable, to address systemic issues. The mayor expresses frustration over operational inefficiencies, lack of intelligence-led policing, and high overtime spending not significantly reducing crime.
Returning to the Gang Unit, officers make another gun seizure based on intelligence. However, a 'bad stop' incident is analyzed, revealing the tension between police efforts to control situations and civilian reactions. Sergeant Conzentino acknowledges the perception of a 'bad stop' but emphasizes officer safety. James Stewart, police union president, shares the perspective of officers feeling under siege and unappreciated amid calls for reform.
Local residents, including attorney Ryan Haygood, discuss their long-standing distrust of the NPD, particularly among African Americans. A first-grade teacher shares how young children already harbor negative views of police due to family experiences. The community expresses a desire for both safety and constitutional respect, rejecting the false choice between the two.
Recent incidents involving Gang Unit officers, including alleged assault leading to a broken arm and charges of coercing a woman for leniency, underscore the deep-seated issues within the department. Mayor Baraka reflects on the difficulty of changing an entrenched institution and the denial some officers may have regarding past wrongdoings. He hires Anthony Ambrose, a former police director, to help lead the reform efforts.
Sergeant Rasheen Peppers from the Criminal Intelligence Unit demonstrates a different policing approach, emphasizing building relationships within the community. He collects intelligence at a vigil for a murder victim, gaining trust and valuable information. Peppers highlights the importance of officers being stakeholders in the community to foster cooperation, acknowledging that changing the deep-rooted culture of policing is the biggest challenge.
The Gang Unit is disbanded, and changes are implemented following an agreement between the city and the Department of Justice, mandating new policies, body cameras, and stricter accountability. The city council unanimously votes to create a civilian review board with investigatory powers, a long-sought goal for community oversight. However, transparency issues persist, as exemplified by the difficulty in obtaining police reports.
The documentary concludes with Mayor Baraka addressing a graduating class of 43 Newark police rookies, instilling in them the belief that change is possible. He urges them to embody a new police culture focused on justice, goodness, and community trust. The message is clear: the future of policing in Newark depends on this new generation embracing different values and restoring faith in the department.