Accused of Misleading Public on Crime Stats

Theresa Gallagher, Republican candidate for Mayor in Brick Township, has been harshly criticized by former Brick Police officers and residents after making false claims about crime. Critics refuted her claim that “crime is up” by citing official FBI crime statistics and criticized her campaign for attempting to use public safety issues for political purposes. Gallagher is running against incumbent Mayor John Ducey, who enjoys considerable support from the law enforcement community because of his ongoing commitment to the Brick Police Department.

Over the last 10 years, data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program show crime in Brick is down 42% and violent crime is down 35%. Gallagher, in an interview with the Asbury Park Press on September 29th, stated “violent crime has gone up and I think that anybody who lives here knows that.” She has continued to make similar claims in campaign flyers and Facebook advertising, even after her claims were repeatedly refuted by members of the law enforcement community.

David Bedrosian, a retired Brick Police Sergeant, criticized Gallagher and her campaign for misleading the voters. “Ms. Gallagher incorrectly claims that crime is up, but crime is actually down in Brick. She is misinformed about the statistics and she is twisting the data to fit her narrative.”

Retired Sergeant Bedrosian continued, “I understand Ms. Gallagher is running for Mayor and is looking for a way to attack Mayor Ducey, but she should be honest and not engage in fear-mongering to the residents of the town.” Bedrosian is a lifelong resident of Brick and a 30-year veteran of the Brick Police Department. Bedrosian, now retired from the force, is an instructor at the Ocean County Police Academy.

Bedrosian is not the only member of the law enforcement community enthusiastically supporting current Democratic Mayor John Ducey. In a letter to residents, John Talty, a thirty-year Brick Police Department veteran, praised Mayor Ducey for his support of the police. The letter said in part:

“Mayor Ducey deserves credit for giving our police officers the support they need to do their job. The size of our Police Department has increased by 17 officers which has allowed for the highly effective and productive Drug Task Force to be reinstated. The additional officers have also allowed for a vibrant Community Policing program. In addition to the DARE programs taught in all our Elementary schools, Brick Township Police also have added new anti-drug programs in both middle schools and both high schools. The Brick Township police also have developed a terrific Neighborhood Watch program with 54 chapters throughout the township.”

Bedrosian added, “The Brick police force is professional, hardworking and very diligent in doing their job. Even though I am retired after 30 years of service, I know they are doing the good work they’ve done all along.”

Throughout the campaign, Mayor Ducey and his Council running mates have emphasized their support for the police. Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero, Chair of the Police and Public Safety Committee stated, “We give the police the support and resources they need. We’re proud of our police force and the work they do.”