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Monopoly in Police Psychological Evaluations in New Jersey: Potential Conflicts and Concerns

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In New Jersey, the Institute for Forensic Psychology (IFP) has established itself as the dominant provider of psychological evaluations for law enforcement agencies. Founded in 1972, IFP has assessed over 100,000 individuals from more than 700 agencies, including most of New Jersey’s police departments. Its services include pre-employment evaluations, fitness-for-duty assessments, and promotional evaluations, making it a central player in the hiring and evaluation of law enforcement officers across the state. Dr. Lewis Schlosser, the chief psychologist at IFP, leads these evaluations.

The reliance on a single institution for such a critical function raises concerns over a potential conflict of interest. When one entity is responsible for evaluating the majority of law enforcement candidates in the state—and is being compensated by the departments it serves—questions naturally arise about the objectivity and accuracy of these assessments. Moreover, the impact of these evaluations extends beyond hiring decisions; they influence the overall quality and integrity of police forces throughout New Jersey.

Concerns Over Potential Conflicts of Interest

The exclusive use of IFP by most New Jersey police departments creates a scenario where an unchecked monopoly could lead to flawed hiring decisions. Psychological evaluations are intended to identify candidates who possess the mental and emotional stability required for the pressures of law enforcement. However, numerous reports suggest that the evaluations conducted by IFP may not be fulfilling that role effectively.

Candidates who are otherwise highly qualified—having passed physical, academic, and background requirements—have been disqualified solely due to negative psychological evaluations by IFP. In contrast, officers who successfully passed IFP’s evaluations have faced disciplinary actions, suspensions, and even terminations within their first few years of service. This raises fundamental questions about the accuracy and predictive value of these evaluations.

Incidents Highlighting Evaluation Accuracy

Several troubling patterns have emerged, suggesting that IFP’s evaluations may not accurately assess a candidate’s fitness for duty:

• Reports indicate that some officers who have been terminated for misconduct or incompetence had previously received positive psychological evaluations from IFP.

• Conversely, candidates who were rejected based on IFP’s findings have sought independent psychological evaluations that directly contradicted the institute’s conclusions, indicating possible flaws in the evaluation criteria or methodology.

• Multiple sources, including police union representatives and attorneys who handle civil service appeals, have described cases where candidates were mislabeled or miscategorized by IFP’s evaluations, despite having no history of psychological instability or behavioral issues.

Appeal Process and Legal Framework

In New Jersey, candidates who are disqualified from police service based on psychological evaluations have the right to appeal under the state’s Civil Service Act. The appeal process allows candidates to challenge disqualification decisions by presenting evidence, including independent psychological evaluations.

The New Jersey Civil Service Commission has, in some cases, reversed disqualifications after reviewing independent evaluations that contradicted IFP’s findings. This suggests that IFP’s evaluations may not always reflect a candidate’s true psychological fitness. For example:

• In the Matter of L.C. – A candidate for the New Jersey State Police was disqualified based on IFP’s evaluation. However, an independent psychologist’s report concluded that L.C. was fit for duty. The Civil Service Commission overturned the disqualification, citing insufficient evidence to support IFP’s conclusions.

• In the Matter of R.B. – After being disqualified due to psychological unfitness, R.B. obtained a contradictory independent evaluation and successfully appealed the decision, with the Civil Service Commission ruling that IFP’s conclusions lacked sufficient basis.

These cases underscore the subjectivity involved in psychological assessments and the importance of an independent review process to safeguard against flawed evaluations.

Theoretical Nature of Psychological Assessments

Psychology, as a field, is inherently more theoretical than empirical. While psychological evaluations are based on standardized tests and professional guidelines, the interpretation of results can vary significantly between evaluators. Personality traits, stress responses, and emotional stability are complex factors that cannot always be measured with clinical precision.

The subjective nature of psychological assessments means that two qualified psychologists could arrive at different conclusions about the same candidate. This raises a fundamental question: if psychology cannot provide a definitive answer about a candidate’s fitness for law enforcement, why should one institution have such significant influence over hiring decisions?

Recommendations for Ensuring Fairness and Accuracy

To address these concerns, several measures should be considered:

1. Diversify Evaluation Providers – Introducing multiple independent psychological assessment providers would create competition and reduce the potential for bias or conflicts of interest.

2. Implement Oversight Mechanisms – Establishing an independent state-level oversight body to review the consistency and accuracy of psychological evaluations would provide greater accountability.

3. Standardize Evaluation Criteria – Creating uniform guidelines for psychological evaluations across all police departments would reduce the variability in assessments and ensure consistency in hiring decisions.

4. Enhance the Appeals Process – Strengthening the civil service appeals process to allow for more thorough reviews of psychological disqualifications would help protect qualified candidates from unjust rejections.

Conclusion

The current monopoly held by the Institute for Forensic Psychology over police psychological evaluations in New Jersey presents serious concerns about fairness, accuracy, and accountability. When one institution controls such a critical aspect of law enforcement hiring, the risks of bias, flawed evaluations, and wrongful disqualifications increase. Introducing competition, enhancing oversight, and improving transparency in the evaluation process would help ensure that only the most qualified and capable candidates become police officers, thereby strengthening the integrity and professionalism of New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies.


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The Campaign to Silence a Truth-Teller: How Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack is Targeting Investigative Journalist Leroy Truth

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Union City, NJ —

In the tangled world of New Jersey politics, few names strike more fear into the heart of corruption than Leroy Truth — and no political figure has been more desperate or ruthless to stop him than Brian Stack, the embattled Mayor of Union City, State Senator for New Jersey’s 33rd District, and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

For more than 16 months, Leroy Truth has waged an unprecedented grassroots investigation into Hudson County’s murky political machine. In return, he has been the relentless target of a vicious, multimillion-dollar campaign of harassment, violence, defamation, censorship, and retaliation orchestrated by Stack and his powerful network of political enablers.

But the attacks have only made him stronger.

Wherever Leroy walks — in Union City, West New York, Jersey City, and beyond — people recognize him, call out his name, and urge him to never give up. Even U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez — son of disgraced former Senator Bob Menendez — publicly acknowledged Leroy by name at a recent event, proof that Leroy’s fight has become impossible for the political establishment to ignore.

A Voice for the Voiceless: The Arrival of Leroy Truth

Leroy first became active in Union City on December 1, 2023, when he conducted a First Amendment audit at Union City Hall — a simple act of holding public officials accountable.

The response was immediate:

Within 24 hours, Leroy was contacted by whistleblowers — citizens, municipal employees, and law enforcement officers — reporting:

Political intimidation and retaliation against city workers Pay-to-play schemes targeting businesses Punishment of police officers and officials who refused to carry out corrupt orders Coverups of sexual assault and harassment, with retaliation against victims

The shocking allegations pushed Leroy to expand his investigation into the broader corruption, abuse of power, and retaliation entrenched within Union City’s government — placing him directly at odds with Brian Stack’s powerful machine.

Unlike establishment journalists who often trade silence for access, Leroy chose to:

Investigate aggressively Speak openly Challenge powerful figures fearlessly

Covering topics such as:

Misuse of public funds Political retaliation against municipal employees Conflicts of interest involving city contracts Union City Board of Education scandals tied to political patronage Voter intimidation Sexual assault and harassment cover-ups

It did not take long for City Hall to retaliate.

The Pattern of Attacks: Bribery, Smears, Censorship, and Violence

The retaliation began quietly:

Bribery.

Members of Stack’s circle allegedly approached Leroy offering money and favors if he would abandon his investigation.

Leroy refused.

When bribery failed, the attacks escalated:

Smear campaigns launched through friendly media like the HudPost, a so-called news outlet confirmed by New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) reports to be directly funded by Stack’s political committee, Union City First.

Disinformation campaigns online, with anonymous accounts attacking Leroy’s credibility and distorting his investigations.

Business sabotage, targeting Leroy’s clients to cripple his livelihood.

Media censorship, with publications like the New Jersey Globe — owned by a former political operative implicated in the Bridgegate scandal — refusing to report fairly on Stack or Leroy’s exposure efforts.

The very media supposed to serve the public interest became tools to protect the political elite.

The Bella Vista Assault: January 23, 2024

The first major physical attack came during Leroy’s attendance at a Union City Board of Commissioners meeting at Bella Vista Apartments.

After Leroy raised uncomfortable questions about city corruption, eyewitnesses and three separate security cameras captured the shocking retaliation:

Justin Mercado, Union City Board of Education Secretary and longtime Stack loyalist, violently attacked Leroy. Mercado ripped Leroy’s $1,200 phone from his hands, tried to punch him, and attempted to destroy the evidence by slamming and stomping on the device. He waved the stolen phone in Stack’s face, with Stack standing motionless. Mercado fled before police arrived.

Despite overwhelming video evidence, Attorney General Matt Platkin, allegedly acting under Stack’s influence, outrageously claimed there was “no probable cause” to prosecute Mercado — a move widely seen by legal experts as blatant political protectionism.

This exposed Stack’s deep control over:

Governor Phil Murphy Attorney General Matt Platkin Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez (a former Stack employee and rumored former romantic partner)

The Parade Meltdown: March 2024

During New Jersey’s largest Hispanic Parade in March 2024, Leroy and his colleague Full Court Press were approved participants.

Upon seeing Leroy, Stack allegedly stopped the parade, demanded police remove Leroy, and had a public meltdown.

The police refused, respecting Leroy’s legal right to march.

Leroy completed the parade proudly, cheered on by the community, while Stack stood seething and humiliated — another blow to his crumbling authority.

Attacks on Faith: January 26, 2025

In another shocking violation, Leroy was ripped from a church pew while peacefully praying at Monumental Baptist Church.

Why? Because New Jersey governor Phil Murphy, disgraced X New Jersey governor Jim McGreevy and Senator mayor Brian Stein do not want Leroy Truth to attend this worship service that they were not only attending but New Jersey governor film if he was going to be formally endorsing disgrace X New Jersey governor Jim McGreevy in the middle of a formal worship service. Sources of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy panic and claim he was on a tight schedule so did not want Truth in the church service even though a governor or a senator has absolutely no authority to tell a church who can or cannot attend. Leroy Truth violent removal by Jersey City, New Jersey police on the order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Jim McGreevy and Senator and Mayor Brian Stack was a major and complete violation of not only Leroy Truth constitutional and civil rights but his human rights as well. Truth has filed a major lawsuit against them.

There was also no trespassing warning No legal justification. No arrest. The government determined they didn’t want Leroy Truth in the monumental Baptist Church of Jersey City, New Jersey worship service so they made sure the police removed him with no justification whatsoever.

This was a bit an example of unconstitutional abuse of police power,

Assault in the New Jersey State Senate: February 20th, 2025

During a New Jersey Senate Judiciary hearing, Leroy was violently removed by New Jersey State police on the orders of Senator in Mayor Brian stack after speaking out against political corruption during the public time while Leroy Truth was seated at a desk — resulting in injuries and hospitalization.

Senator mayor Brian said didn’t like the words Leroy Truth was speaking and calling out the corruption of the bill he was speaking about even though of course his speech was 100% protected by the first amendment.

So to say the removal of Leroy Truth while he was speaking during the public speaking time was a premeditated preplanned act allegedly that New Jersey governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey state Senator Brian Stack and some of the New Jersey State police dined included before that meeting in an attempt to send Leroy Truth a message in the hopes of intimidating him into stopping his continued investigation and exposure of Senator and Mayor Brian Stacks’ extreme corruption. 

Stack’s retaliation had crossed every imaginable line:

from political censorship to attacks on religious freedom to physical violence in the very halls of government.

Growing Isolation: Stack’s Political Collapse

As Leroy’s investigations gained traction, major political figures broke ranks with Stack:

Former State Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco condemned Stack’s power consolidation, warning it leads to abuse. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a gubernatorial candidate, attacked Stack’s paranoia and retaliation tactics, calling him a “liability to the Democratic Party.”

Even as Stack tries to maintain his crumbling empire, insiders know his days of unchallenged power are ending.

Personal Sacrifices: The High Cost of Truth

Leroy has endured:

Over 33 physical attacks Multiple unlawful arrests Broken equipment Character assassination Bogus criminal charges initiated by Stack and Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini Financial sabotage

Despite more than $2 million spent and nine private investigators hired to find dirt on Leroy, they found nothing — because Leroy is clean.

The Mountain of Corruption Leroy Has Exposed

Since December 2023, Leroy has uncovered:

Bribery and extortion Voter intimidation Sexual assault and harassment cover-ups Retaliation against female whistleblowers Coercion of public employees Misuse of public funds Obstruction of justice Illegal arrests and religious discrimination

He has pulled back the curtain on figures like:

– Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez

– NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin

– Former Governor Jim McGreevey

– Hudson County Executive Craig Guy

– Former US Senator Bob Menendez

– Mayor of Bayonne and Sheriff candidate Jimmy Davis

– Former Congressman and West New York Mayor Albio Sires

– NJ/NY Port Authority Chairman, former State Senator, lawyer Kevin O’Toole (Partner of O’Toole Scrivo Law LLC, law firm for Union City)

– And many others

A New Kind of Journalism: Unbought and Unbowed

With over 7.5 million YouTube views, Leroy Truth is redefining journalism:

Fearless Independent Outcome-driven Incorruptible

He speaks for the voiceless — exposing the powerful — and refusing to back down.

Conclusion: The Machine is Vulnerable

The relentless campaign against Leroy is not a sign of strength — it’s a sign of desperation.

When one citizen with a camera and courage can provoke a political empire to mobilize police departments, weaponize courts, corrupt the media, and still fail — it proves the truth is winning.

The machine is cracking.

The people are awake.

And Leroy Truth — armed only with conscience and conviction — is leading the charge to build a better New Jersey.

#LeroyTruth #ExposeCorruption #BrianStackMustGo #UnionCity #HudsonCounty #NewJerseyPolitics #InvestigativeJournalism #JusticeForWomen #FirstAmendment #NeverBackDown


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Bipartisan Movement for Change: Leroy Truth Investigations Attends Hector & Alonso Campaign Rally in Union City

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UNION CITY, NJ — April 26, 2025

Today, independent investigative journalist Leroy Truth attended a vibrant campaign rally in Union City hosted by State Assembly candidates Tony Hector and Frank Alonso, who are running for the 33rd Legislative District. The event also featured interviews with Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, who is seeking reelection, and Marco Navarro, Republican candidate for State Assembly in the 37th District.

During these interviews, a powerful bipartisan message emerged. Despite representing different political parties, Tony Hector, Frank Alonso, Frank Schillari, and Marco Navarro pledged a united mission: to root out corruption across New Jersey, particularly in Hudson County and their own districts. Their shared vision includes implementing strict term limits at every level of government, restoring accountability, and breaking the cycle of political entrenchment that has long plagued the Garden State.

One of the key figures targeted in this bipartisan call for reform is Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack, who also chairs the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee. Critics, including the candidates at today’s rally, argue that Stack’s control over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches—through his multiple powerful roles—amounts to a dangerous concentration of political power in one individual. They warned that such unchecked dominance threatens democratic governance and underscores the urgent need for structural reforms like term limits.

In a particularly poignant moment, Leroy Truth contrasted his experience at today’s rally with the hostile treatment he previously received from the Brian Stack-backed Assembly campaign of Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Weinstein along with multiple commissioner meetings in Union City hosted by Brian Stack. Leroy Truth recounted how, while attempting to cover their campaign events, he was assaulted, forcibly removed from offices, and even arrested, all for simply doing his job as an independent journalist.

In stark contrast, Hector and Alonso’s campaign demonstrated openness, respect, and transparency—welcoming Leroy Truth without hostility or fear of scrutiny. “Here, I am treated not as an outcast or an enemy, but as an American exercising his right to free speech,” Leroy stated, emphasizing the refreshing change in political tone offered by the new wave of candidates.

Today’s rally was more than a campaign stop—it was a clear call to the people of Hudson County and beyond: a better New Jersey is possible when candidates are willing to work across party lines to prioritize the people over entrenched political machines.

As the election approaches, the growing coalition behind Hector and Alonso for Assembly, Frank Schillari for Hudson County Sheriff, and Marco Navarro for Assembly in District 37 signals a mounting demand for real reform, real accountability, and an end to the culture of corruption that has defined New Jersey politics for too long.

The voters of Hudson County and New Jersey now face a critical choice: continue under a system dominated by unchecked political dynasties—or embrace a future built on transparency, term limits, and true public service.


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Time for Change: Supporting Hector & Alonso’s Vision for Union City

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Union City stands at a pivotal moment. For decades, Mayor Brian Stack has held a unique concentration of power, simultaneously serving as mayor, state senator, and chairman of the judiciary committee. This accumulation of roles raises serious concerns about the balance of power and the health of our local democracy.

Critics argue that such consolidation can lead to unchecked authority and potential misuse of resources. For instance, allegations have surfaced regarding the use of substantial state aid in ways that may prioritize political interests over community needs. North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco himself has highlighted concerns about the allocation of over $300 million in state aid, suggesting it supports a political machine rather than directly benefiting residents (source).

Moreover, the Union City Board of Education has faced scrutiny over its employment practices. While the board emphasizes hiring qualified professionals, questions remain about the potential for political patronage and the creation of positions that serve political allies instead of the students and families they are meant to help (source).

In light of these concerns, the campaign of Hector and Alonso offers a refreshing and necessary alternative. Their Property Tax Stabilization Plan aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to our local governance. Key proposals include:

Capping Property Taxes for Seniors: Implementing a system where seniors’ property taxes are set at 4% of their personal income, providing financial relief and stability. Independent Audits: Mandating nonpolitical audits of municipal and school board budgets to identify and eliminate waste and political patronage. Purchasing Cooperatives: Encouraging municipalities to buy in bulk through state-designated vendors, reducing costs and minimizing the influence of campaign contributions on purchasing decisions. Consolidation of Services: Promoting the merging of redundant municipal services to streamline operations and reduce unnecessary taxpayer burdens.

Most notably, Hector and Alonso’s clear message for checks and balances has attracted a bipartisan coalition, drawing support from across party lines. Republican candidate for Assembly in Legislative District 37, Marco Navarro, has vocally backed Hector and Alonso’s mission, recognizing the urgent need to break the monopolistic grip of Brian Stack’s political machine. Navarro, a strong advocate for term limits, government transparency, and rooting out political corruption, represents the growing number of leaders who realize that Stack’s model of governance — resembling a Democratic-Communist regime — must end for the sake of real democracy and fairness.

Their message of accountability, transparency, and balance is proving to resonate with voters of all political stripes — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — who understand that government functions best when power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.

This momentum can bring about a larger bipartisan coalition, with the shared mission of restoring balance of power, fiscal responsibility, and public trust. With new leadership like Hector, Alonso, and their growing bipartisan allies, Union City and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to break free from decades of political favoritism, backroom deals, and unchecked control.

Union City deserves leadership that serves the people, not the political elite. Supporting Hector and Alonso’s campaign is a step toward finally putting the community first and restoring government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Now is the time for Union City residents to demand change.

Now is the time to support Hector, Alonso, and a new future for Union City.

Learn more about their platform and how you can get involved by visiting the Hector and Alonso Property Tax Stabilization Plan.


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