New Job for Former NJ Cop

Former Newark Police Director Joseph Santiago's career as a top cop seemed over when he stepped down as head of the state police amid allegations of mob ties and troubles with troopers.

But Santiago is back with a new job in charge of the Trenton police, sparking allegations of political dealmaking and outrage among union leaders who say his baggage is too heavy to bear.

"I was totally shocked and amazed that our mayor would do such a thing to this city," said Patrolman Len Cirpriano, head of the Trenton Policemen's Benevolent Association. "Why do you put the fox in charge of the hen house?"

Santiago's list of personal troubles includes an assault conviction, bankruptcy and tax problems for running an off-the-books security business. While state police superintendent, he asked to see files of investigations on himself and top staff. The Attorney General's Office is still looking into the $100,000 he spent on office renovations.

Those issues didn't raise red flags for Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, who said Trenton police need a strong leader who can cut crime like Santiago did in Newark when he was police director there.

"I felt like here is a guy who has tremendous talent and ability and people aren't going to touch him but I need him," Palmer said.

Palmer denied any political deals were made to get Santiago the job, despite talk he was angling for a Senate post or paying back a favor.

"I would always want somebody to give me a second chance," Palmer said.

John Harmon, the chairman of Crimestoppers, which works closely with police to snare criminals through rewards, said it is clear Santiago has a history of reducing crime and making policing more efficient.

"His professional experience and ability to get the job done in Newark speaks for (itself)," said Harmon, who also heads the Metropolitan African American Chamber of Commerce.

Santiago has already begun his new job by promising to launch a war on drug dealers and buyers. He did not return calls from The Associated Press for comment.

It's a smoother start than when he took over as superintendent and his nomination by Gov. James E. McGreevey barely cleared the state Senate.

He was reprimanded twice by the state attorney general for creating a one-man recruit class so he could wear a trooper uniform and for attending a political rally.

Santiago also locked horns with state police unions and allegedly retaliated against troopers who investigated him by reassigning them. A report by the Office of Government Integrity later found that Santiago broke the law but did not have criminal intent when he asked for investigative files about himself.

Santiago resigned in October as head of the state police, ending a seven-month tenure that was troubled from the start.

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Author: NBC 10/AP