Yesterday, TLS reported that a prize distribution event which was causing issues on Route 9 in Howell, was shut down by Howell Police.
TLS wrote, “Hundreds of children gathered to collect their prizes for collecting over Purim. However, the overflow traffic ended up spilling onto Route 9, causing delays in the area.
Parents tell TLS police shut down the operation and told the organizers to mail the prizes instead.”
Moments after our report, Howell Police issued the following statement:
“Howell Police are currently on scene at the Grebows Shopping Center (Rt.9 @ Alexander Ave). There is a large event causing attendees to park on both sides of Rt.9. Pedestrians are crossing the lanes of travel, including jumping the barrier to get to the event. A local Lakewood media outlet claims we are shutting down the event. This is false. We are attempting to resolve the safety and traffic issue. We were not notified of this event but are trying to ensure the safety of all so they can enjoy the event. This post is not meant to cause public sentiment but to dispel the malicious claim. Our Jewish Chaplains are enroute to assist. We thank them for our continued partnership.”
TLS has no issue with police shutting down an event they perceive to be dangerous, that’s their job.
What TLS has an issue with, is the post claiming we falsely stated the event was shut down.
We received multiple first-hand reports stating that the event was indeed shut down. Perhaps, after our report, in order not to look like they shut down a kids’ event, they attempted to quickly get the situation under control.
This morning, a source with Howell Police department told TLS our initial report was indeed correct, and that police were ordered to shut down the event. The source also told TLS that recordings of the scene are available.
A short time ago, we obtained a recording of the Howell Police radio transmission from the scene where the officer on scene can be heard saying, “I told them to pack it up. They gotta reorganize this if they want to do this.”
In short, police directed the event to be shut down, and then issued a statement apparently attempting to villainize TLS, as putting out “malicious claims.”
What Police could have done, is state: “An unorganized event turned out to be dangerous, and it has been shut down due to the dangers involved.”
Generally, statements from Howell Police are issued by Chief Andrew Kudrick. Last night’s statement wasn’t signed by him. Was it his statement in retaliation for us covering the December story of the PBA shredding him, and voting “no confidence” in their Chief?
Listen to the recording of the radio transmission below.
Guys were in Galus let’s not forget. And we if we do have to cry foul sometimes let it be for something important.
I just want to say that was at the lakewood event last night. And thank goodness the event was shut down,. It was one of these times where I want to genuinely thank the men in blue.
TLS, why are you getting so defensive?
You must have not read the article.
Great job TLS for calling them out and exposing their lies!!! The police should have shut it due to traffic safety but should not have lied.
The truth will always prevail.
Thanks Howell PD for keeping the public safe.
I drove there yesterday with my brother to get his prize and when i pulled up and tried to ask what was goin on I couldnt even say a word before a police officer screamed at me “keep on moving” “keep on moving”!
The Dumb Asker assumes that TLS has a reason why they do not post his dumb comments on this topic. Hence, the Dumb Asker has decided to release the following dumb statement in response to the omission:
From the office of the Dumb Asker:
“I posted some dumb comments on the Howell/police/prize issue, but TLS management apparently felt it was not in the spirit of things.
Hence, I absolve myself of all responsibility and culpability if my comments were not posted.
I tried and I failed.
The Dumb Asker will continue to advocate on behalf of his dumbness by posting other dumb comments on other issues on this website. As always, I wish all the best for the readers and editors and owners of this website. Have a happy Passover, drink the required amounts of wine/ grape juice and matzoh, and try to avoid passing out if possible.
Thanks,
sincerely yours,
The Dumb Asker
The above statement is an official statement from the office of The Dumb Asker
very much a part of policing revolves around the way the PD communicates with the citizens both in getting the message out and more so in building trust and confidence and this includes an absolute requirement to work together with the press professionally and transparently even when it is momentarily uncomfortable and to allow key PR relationships to erode is almost like watching an officer publicly commit a misdemeanor because it does not bring respect for the law or for those who are putting themselves all out to enforce it so obviously the one who released the miscommunication did a disservice to those brave cops alongside the confused children who were not policed with an understanding attitude.
I wasn’t there so have no first hand knowledge of anything but still would like to make one point that I feel is intelligent and relevant (and I hope you all agree)
Police are very often called on to deal with chaotic situations. Some more so, some less so, some involving group scenes like this one was. Some with individuals, but I think we can all agree that chaos is very often the nature of the beast
They have to make snap decisions to bring things under control in oftentimes dangerous situations and if they have to err in any direction I for one see the PD being a bit pushy and maybe even rude to avoid a possible tragedy which is what could’ve occurred at this event a very small price to pay
I am not commenting at all re what transpired between TLS and the official statements of the Police dept and of course it is extremely important to maintain good working relationships between the two and hopefully they will continue to do so