Racial Diversity Of West Orange Police Questioned At Town Meeting
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Questions about the racial composition of the West Orange Police Department arose at a recent town council meeting, with several people advocating for the promotion of a longtime local police officer.
Valerie Palma DeLuisi, an attorney representing Lt. Tito John, spoke during the public comment portion of the
"We are here to make sure everyone is aware that there is an issue, so that the issue can be resolved without having to escalate into litigation," she said, adding that she and her client are trying to "solve a problem – not create one."
According to DeLuisi, the town is home to nearly 50,000 people and about 60 percent of them are minorities, including John – an officer with
A captain position became available in the West Orange Police Department in August 2024. The position is listed in the table of organization, and it's in the budget, DeLuisi said.
If John were promoted, he'd be the first non-white captain on the WOPD. But for "no articulable reason," he is being passed over, she alleged.
"This is a meritorious promotion," DeLuisi told the council. "This is a civil service department. He took the exam. He is first on the list. There is an opening. There has been an opening … he is not being promoted."
DeLuisi said the lieutenant didn't retake the exam because he thought he'd be in line for the next promotion. But if he is skipped over, there will be no minority officers on the new list starting in May.
"We're just finding it hard to believe that's a coincidence," she said.
DeLuisi said that John deserves to be promoted based on merit, insisting that it would not be a "DEI" move.
"This town talks a good game about inclusion – I am asking you to practice what you preach and ensure my client receives his merit-based promotion," she urged.
DeLuisi said they are not blaming the town's police chief for John's situation – they're pointing their fingers at the mayor's office.
Patch reached out to Mayor Susan McCartney seeking comment about John's allegations. We will update this article with any reply we receive.
John received some words of support from other speakers during the public comment portion of the meeting, including former town council candidate Akil Khalfani and local resident Micaela Bennett.
"How much would that promotion actually cost this township, maybe $1,000 a month?" Bennett questioned. "How much would a discrimination suit cost?"
Responding to public comments, council president Joe Krakoviak said he and his peers have little say over personnel issues in the township.
"That is something that the administration handles," he said.
Councilwoman Asmeret Ghebremicael said she supported John, saying that she has known him since she was a little girl.
"I believe it's crucial that promotions within our police department are based on merit," Ghebremicael said, adding that John "certainly deserves this opportunity to advance" based on his qualifications, hard work and commitment to the job.
Ghebremicael said that McCartney – who made history as the town's
"This could be a significant moment in our town, and it would set a powerful example of leadership that represents the people of West Orange," Ghebremicael said. "So that way, my son, who's a minority growing up here, can see that for his future."
Councilwoman Michelle Casalino provided a different viewpoint on the situation.
Echoing a point from the town attorney, Casalino said her peers should hold further discussions about personnel issues in closed session, adding that she would like to speak to John about the situation and understands some staff members' frustrations with the exam.
Casalino also said she was "disappointed" with the dialogue that was taking place.
"I don't believe this is about race and am very disappointed to hear those overtones," the councilwoman said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial composition of West Orange
- White – 45.4%
- Black – 26.8%
- Hispanic or Latino – 21.7%
- Asian – 5.3%
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