Last night May 12, 2021 the Perth Amboy City Council voted to approve a new Perth Amboy Citizen’s Public Safety Advisory Board. 

The effort began in 2020 to pass the ordinance creating the advisory board designed to build mutual respect between the police and the community by ensuring de-escalation training and other de-escalation policies are brought to the attention of the City’s leadership.  Evidence shows that it will help to reduce avoidable incidents and injuries for Perth Amboy residents and police officers alike. The board will have 7 members appointed by the City Council, including 3 youth members and 2 members of the Police Department recommended by the Police Chief.

“I commend Council President Petrick and the members of the City Council for adopting the ordinance establishing The Citizens Public Safety Advisory Board.  This evidence-based solution, developed by the Perth Amboy Civic Trust in partnership with city officials and the leadership of the Front-Line Youth will enhance relations among the police, our youth and the community at large.  Moreover, it will insure a continuing commitment to improving the Police Department’s de-escalation policies and practices and put Perth Amboy’s Department at the forefront of modern policing” said Harry Pozycki, Perth Amboy Civic Trustee and Founder of The Citizens Campaign.

“This board will directly improve and impact the lives of all Perth Amboy residents by allowing youth leaders, along with veteran leaders, to actively engage in the fostering of a relationship of mutual respect between the Perth Amboy Police and the community,” said Samantha Castro, Leader of the Frontline, which organized a peaceful protest of over 1,000 Perth Amboy residents. “It allows all Perth Amboy citizens to be heard, understood, and above all be safe.”