Atlantic City Residents Are Tired of Violence
May 25--ATLANTIC CITY -- Resort residents said they know violence is not just an Atlantic City problem, but something needs to be done to reduce crime.
"Violence is for the weak," J. David Alcantara said during Thursday's anti-violence town hall meeting at the All Wars Memorial Building. "For people who can't resolve their problems."
Alcantara, an attorney in the city, was one of about 25 people to attend the meeting organizated by the National Action Network South Jersey Chapter.
The 90-minute meeting focused on the recent string of homicides and alleged police brutality in the city.
Most recently, two Canadian tourists were killed when they were stabbed on Pacific Avenue between the Bally's Atlantic City Bus Center and AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
"Violence is a serious thing," Alcantara said, adding he grew up surrounded by violence in his home country of Honduras. "There is nothing wrong with being humble, being tolerant or being respectful."
Many residents spoke out about the alleged incidents of police brutality.
Many directed questions and general comments toward Willie Glass, the city's director of public safety, who was in attendance.
"It's not right to us to not know who we can trust and count on," Andrea Gray said. "We want to know who we can trust."
Gray has accused Atlantic City police of assaulting her son, Trent Brewer Jr., 15. Gray said her son was walking near Renaissance Plaza with his stepfather and two friends in January when he was pulled down, kicked and punched.
"We, the community, think and believed we can come to you and something can be done," she said to Glass.
Glass said he understands the concerns and is working to rectify them.
"If it were up to me, I'd go down a list and say 'you're fired, you're fired,'" Glass said, adding police will take sensitivity training in the future.
City Council also approved an ordinance unanimously Wednesday that calls for a 20-person volunteer board to review citizens' complaints.
Although Thursday's meeting was another step toward trying to improve the city, some residents said there have been enough discussions and it is time to do something to change the state of Atlantic City.
"It's action time now," said Michael Harvey, who represents the New York Avenue Church of God.
Harvey said the first step to addressing violence in the city is to teach the city's youth the importance of respect for others and respect for themselves.
"We've got to instill in these young men and women that they have a future," he said.
Contact Caitlin Dineen:
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Copyright 2012 - The Press of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, N.J.