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Shedding some light on the corruption in New Castle police

DEAR EDITOR:

In New Castle, Pa., allegations of police misconduct and corruption have stirred concerns that go beyond individual officers’ actions.

At the heart of the issue lies a troubling pattern within police leadership — a leadership that has repeatedly chosen to conceal criminal actions rather than address them transparently. For our community’s safety and trust to be restored, we need a full reckoning with these issues and a commitment to accountability from those at the top.

Body cameras are already in place in New Castle, yet they have done little to curb the culture of secrecy and cover-ups within the department. Body cam footage that could expose misconduct is often withheld or “lost” when it might implicate officers in wrongdoing. This selective application of transparency only worsens public mistrust, undermining the very purpose of the body cameras.

When leadership prioritizes protecting its own over justice, it sends a clear message: accountability is secondary.

The reported misconduct and intimidation tactics, is made even more dangerous by the department’s tendency to shield officers from consequences. Leadership’s choice to dismiss complaints or quietly reassign officers accused of criminal behavior only fosters a culture where misconduct is tacitly accepted, if not encouraged. Residents deserve to feel safe, and that safety begins with knowing that police are held to the same laws as the rest of us.

To restore trust, we need drastic changes in leadership and a system of truly independent oversight. An external review board, one not influenced by department politics, could provide the transparency our community needs.

Furthermore, we must demand that footage and records related to complaints be made available to the public, allowing citizens to see firsthand that oAicers are held accountable.

New Castle faces a choice: either remain complacent, allowing corruption to erode the community, or confront the problem head-on with courage and integrity. Real change will only come when our leaders prioritize accountability over self-protection. For the safety and future of New Castle, it’s time for our leaders to stand up and finally take responsibility.

DANIEL ROMANOWSKI

New Castle, Pa.

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