Morris County Prosecutor's Office Participates in Bias Incident Awareness & the Black Community Forum

Published on October 30, 2020

October 30, 2020

Morris County Prosecutor's Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre participated in the Bias Incident Awareness & the Black Community virtual forum on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Held in partnership with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey Bias Crimes Officers Association, the forum discussed how to recognize/report bias incidents and how reports are handled. The forum also explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and community trust-building.

A member of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Bias Crimes Unit, Detective Supervisor LaGuerre joined Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Lieutenant Natischa Clark in explaining the difference between a bias crime and a bias incident.

Other bias education presenters included NJ Division on Civil Rights Director Rachel Wainer Apter, NJ Division of Criminal Justice Training & Outreach Liaison, David S. Leonardis, President of the NJ Bias Crimes Officers Association, David D'Amico, and NJ Division of Criminal Justice Detective Brian Christensen.

The event also explored how communities and law enforcement can build and strengthen their relationship. Moderated by Deputy Attorney General Bryn Whittle, panelists included Perry Mays, Chair of the Coalition for a Safer Community, Pastor John Taylor, Chair of the Capital City Community Coalition, Burlington City Police Department Chief John Fine and Rhudell Snelling, Director of Community Engagement & Clergy Affairs for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office has taken proactive steps to educate the public about bias crimes and incidents. Last May, the MCPO hosted a live webinar on bias crimes and reporting procedures during the COVID-19 health emergency. Prior to the health emergency, Detective Supervisor LaGuerre and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri held numerous presentations at Morris County middle and high schools to teach students how to properly report incidents of bullying and exercise good judgment when it comes to what you post online or share with friends. The MCPO also hosts an annual seminar to educate superintendents and other administrators.

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said The Morris County Prosecutor's Office has always made investigating potential bias crimes a priority. This year has seen a sharp increase in online communication for business, schooling and recreation, and with it, an uptick in the number of reported bias incidents. It is more important than ever to inform the community that just because you are online, it does not make this type of intimidation acceptable. No one should be made to feel unwelcome in Morris County.

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at [email protected].