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NEW JERSEY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JOE PENNACCHIO
ASSEMBLYMAN, 26TH DISTRICT
MORRIS AND PASSAIC COUNTIES
101 GIBRALTAR DRIVE, SUITE 1-A
MORRIS PLAINS, NJ 07950
(978) 984-0922 Fax(978)984.8094
AsmPennacchio@njleg.org

COMMITTEE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

For Immediate Release:
January 5, 2004

Contact:
Amie Forgatch
973-984-0922 until 4 P,M,
973-769-1374 after 4 P.M.

Commissioner's "Search-and-Destroy" Statement Wrong says State Legislator
Morris Plains, NJ -- A recent statement attributed to Corrections Commissioner, Devon Brown, calling state drug laws "search-and-destroy drive-by legislation" directed at "selected populations," was criticized by Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic). "To say that our laws were designed to specifically seek out certain members of our society is wrong, insensitive and deserves a through explanation," said Assemblyman Pennacchio.

"The premise that such a policy exists would mean that all three levels of New Jersey State Government are acting together to promulgate such a policy. That is rubbish," chided the Assemblyman. Pennacchio also questioned, "why is the commissioner such a pro-active advocate for prisoners yet seems to discount the victims and crimes committed by those `selected populations' of criminals?" In the past, Pennacchio has been critical of the commissioner and the administration's early release policy toward convicted criminals.

"Innocent men, women and children are being harmed by criminals, said the Assemblyman, yet the commissioner is treating these criminals as if they were the victims."

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