Police dash cam video shows. Allies of former Gov. Big mistake. It has not yet been introduced in the Assembly. Caren Turner , A Port Authority commissioner refused wrongdoing by ranting. We, the current Board, have worked relentlessly to hold the agency and ourselves to the highest possible ethical standards. By Hafiz Hamza Last updated Jul 15, 2022. But she added: "at no point did I violate the Port Authority's Code of Ethics or ask for special treatment for anyone involved, nor did I suggest,in any way,that I would use my position at the Port Authority to affect the outcome of the violations issued to the driver. I never violated the code and ethics of Port Authority and never requested to change rules for anyone involved. Turner then delivers her first name-drop, saying that she's there not just as their ride, but "as a concerned citizen, and a friend of the mayor.". The traffic stop stemmed from side tinted windows -- which are not legal in New Jersey -- and a partially obscured license plate. How are you involved? Her daughters registration would expire on March 31. "I've got all your information, sweetheart," responds Turner, "I know Sikoryak" apparently dropping another name, that of Tenafly Police dispatcher, George Sikoryak. Tenafly's longtime mayor, Peter Rustin confirmed on Tuesday that he is a personal friend of Turner. Thank you.". In March 2017, Turner began a six-year unpaid term on the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, [3] [20] after New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg recommended her, Governor Chris Christie nominated her, and the New Jersey State Senate approved. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. as she continued stepping in closer and closer to one of them. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Just shame on you said, Turner. She also served as the bistate agency's ethics chair. Even asthe car is towed away, Turner continues to demand information from Officer Savitsky about where it will be impounded. After being caught, she apologized for her wrongdoing and she . "Ma'am, take a step back. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "I know Louis, what's his name? One of the officers called Turner "miss," and she quickly reprimanded him and instructed him to address her as "commissioner.". What are you talking about?" (Image source: Video screenshot). They soon found that the car's registration was expired, and the driver had no insurance card to present, which prompted them to have the vehicle impounded. Caren Z. Turner abruptly resigned on Monday as the Port Authority said that it was investigating allegations that she'd violated the board's code of ethics. Then she said, she is a commissioner and leads 4000 police officers. Thank you. And you can tell that to everybody. Moment Thirteen: 'You may shut the f--- up.'. Her posting took place last year by Chris Christies reference. That's pathetic. Turner arrived on the scene demanding answers and flaunting. 2023 - Process Story. I did not violate the Code and Conduct of the Port Authority in any way. When Commissioner Horwitz spouse accepted a job at Westfield, which manages the retail complex for the World Trade Center, in October 2017, Commissioner Horwitz immediately notified Port Authoritys leadership and informed them he would from that point forward recuse himself from all matters pertaining to Westfield or the World Trade Center, Port Authority spokesman Ben Branham said in a statement. ", But the officer continues, "You don't seem like a very big police supporter, I don't know. Turner, who led the Port Authoritys ethics committee, resigned from the agency in April after its leadership learned of the incident. Shame on both of you. The Port Authority Board of Commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to censure Caren Z. Turner, once a prominent fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, and referred the. after they pulled over a car in which her daughter was a passenger over Easter weekend. You may shut the f*** up and not tell me when I can take my kid and her friends who are Ph.D. students from MIT and Yale," she said. ", The officer says, "You work with police officers, correct? 2022 Blaze Media LLC. "Well, I'm just telling you who I am," answers Turner. Former Port Authority commissioner Caren Turner at Tenafly PD, Ted Sherman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, was formally censured by the Port Authority. ', As the officer examines the gold shield, Turner, wearing a plum colored, hooded vest, lowers her voice somewhat and answers, "I am a commissioner of the Port Authorityand I'm heading up over 4,000 police officers.". Turner was appointed to the Port Authority last year by former Republican New Jersey Gov. "You may tell me nothing.". Bridgegate defendants to have their appeals heard following 2016 conviction, Tenafly police report reveals traffic stop was routine until PA commissioner arrived, Tenafly police officers' boss 'very proud' after traffic incident with PA commissioner, Lowry: In Tenafly, a 'cursed' traffic stop rolls up against privilege, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. ", She later says, "The police have all been in my home, and in my second home, and in my third home in Tenafly.". Therefore, I apologized to the police officers for my wrongdoing. Turner's tirade against the patrol officers included profanity, insults and the repeated reference of her position as a Port Authority commissioner, all captured in a video. ", When she asked again why the car was pulled over, the other officer addressed Turner as "miss. "You may not tell me when to take my child," said Turner. Police never brought her to trial for any wrongdoing. Turner didn't return a call seeking comment. ", When the first officer tells Turner that she "may" now escort the group away, she responds, "You may not tell me when to take my child. "In the face of this demeaning behavior, the police officers in question kept their cool," the resolution continues. "I'm very disappointed in the way you're acting. Turner is told to leave the roadside to ensure her safety. There is an elevated level of authority associated with these badges, Gopal said. She was never charged by police with any wrongdoing. Mr. Horwitz is now chairman of the boards committee on governance and ethics, a position Ms. Turner held at the time of the traffic stop. Former Port Authority commissioner Caren Turner seen arguing with Tenafly Police officers following a traffic stop on March 31. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Turner interrupts him, "No, no, no, don't call me 'Miss.' O'Toole said he'd be meeting with Savitsky and Casper on Friday. Turner does not relent, however, and presses him: "I just want to know why.". Enter Caren Z. Turner, a Port Authority commissioner at the center of the scandal and mother of one of the backseat passengers. You may tell me nothing.". Unethical and even criminal wrongdoing has badly damaged the reputation of this agency, Mr. OToole said, in explaining the censure. But abruptly, she resigned from her post in the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York. Facebook: @TedSherman.reporter. Once the video was public, there was no other alternative than to have the commissioner resign, he said. She was not the driver, it's not her vehicle, it's not your vehicle. Turner digs in, now insisting she be informed of the charges, saying, "I'm involved. She just seemed out of control with her emotions. An appointee of New York Gov. The eighth-minute video clips showed that Turner reached the spot where police officers pulled her daughters friends. He also thanked the Port Authority "for their professionalism and prompt attention to the matter.". Thank you. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Port Authority called the findings of the investigation "profoundly disturbing." "After Commissioner Turner became aware of the investigation, she resigned," it said in a statement. On the afternoon of March 31, Turner, who chaired the board's ethics committee, intervened in a traffic stop involving her daughter. Shame on both of you. By signing up to the Blaze News newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Blaze Media that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. Trust me. Turner, in the statement also encouraged the Tenafly Police Department to review best practices with respect to tone and de-escalation, so that incidents like this do not recur.. A moment later, however, the officer reverts back to his old form of address: "Miss, this does not involve you.". Police explain that the stop doesn't concern her since all the passengers are adults, and direct her to inquire of the driver. "Trust me, I will be in with the police commissioner of Tenafly," warns Turner. And she is not directly in charge of them in any way, shape or form. Turner became agitated when one of the officers told her to ask the driver of the car. NEW YORK --In a sharp rebuke of a former commissioner forced to resign over an obscenity-laced tirade caught on video during a routine police traffic stop, Port Authority officials publicly. On Thursday, the former commissioner was formally censured by the Port Authority board, in a highly critical condemnation that cited her for a litany of ethics rules violations, in connection with the Easter weekend traffic stop caught on a police dashcam video that has since gone viral. It has also threatened to further tarnish the Port Authoritys reputation a threat of which the agency seems acutely aware. OToole said he took his badge out just once to show his kids, who thought it was cute.. The Port also says its considering eliminating the issuance of law enforcement-style badges to Port Authority commissioners to prevent this sort of abuse. Mark Zinna, the former Tenafly Borough Council President who served as acting Mayor in 2017 is now calling for official misconduct charges to be brought against Turner. Call it privilege run amok. Her daughter had called Turner to pick her up along with several friends after the car in which they were riding was impounded. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And it's fine. There is no need for municipal and state officials to carry such badges; it opens the door for officials to abuse their badges and their power. I need to know!'. ", Moment Twelve: 'You know Louis What's-His-Name?'. "No, no, no. You're being very demanding with me," the officer says. Turner continued boasting about her position, when a police officer said this car was not registered then she said tell me first why you pulled my daughters friend. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. You're picking them up. Trust me. The officer responds, "Your daughter is not being summoned. You may shut the f--- up and not tell me when I may take my kid and her friends, who are Ph.D. students from M.I.T. "She was not confrontational or rude in any way," he said. The video, which has no clear sound, shows the 60-year-old Democratic lobbyist waving to an officer and talking to someone at the front desk. Hudson County Freeholder Bill ODea also used a police-style badge to pull over a driver during a traffic dispute, telling the driver the police work for me, according to The Jersey Journal. The officer said in the report that he told her he was under no legal obligation to fill her in on what happened because all the occupants in the car were adults. Caren Turner (right) issued the statement Wednesday, a day after the Tenafly Police Department released the dash-cam video showing her outburst In her statement, Turner apologizes for letting. ", She then accuses Officer Savitsky of enjoying their inconvenience because of "a smug-ass look on your faceand it seems to please you.". The officer said this car doesnt belong to you and your daughter. The Turner episode was an embarrassment for an agency that's struggled to rebuild its public reputation in the wake of the 2013 Bridgegate scandal. Postscript: Official misconduct charges for Turner? ", Turner vows to meet with the Tenafly police commissioner over the traffic stop, and then tells the officer, "I hope you have a really nice holiday weekend, because you just ruined it for a lot of people. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. UPDATE: Port Authority Chief in Viral Cop Rant Issues Her First Statement on ControversyA recently resigned Port Authority commissioner was captured on police dash cam ranting at two police officers on a New Jersey roadway, yelling at them, "You may shut the f--- up!" Ms. Turner, like Mr. OToole, was appointed to the board by the previous governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, a Republican. It says she spoketo the officers in "an insulting and condescending manner; using foul and aggressive language" and invoked her status as a commissioner. That is why I used some harsh words and tone. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) on July 26 introduced the bill, which would bar the badges for Port Authority Commissioners, NJ Transit board members and all local and state elected officials except for county sheriffs. Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. Turner said, she is my daughter and the officer said, she is one of them sitting in the car. asks the officer, incredulously. Some New Jersey lawmakers want to eliminate law enforcement-style badges for most politicians after former Port Authority Commissioner Caren Turner used hers to pressure a cop who pulled over a car with her daughter in it. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey sought to make one thing abundantly clear on Thursday: Despite former Commissioner Caren Turner's misbehavior, the agency . Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Twenty seconds after arriving, Caren Turner has identified herself by name. Chris Christie appointed Caren Turner to the Port Authority. OToole plans to meet with the officers on Friday. Phil Murphy, New York would have to pass an identical measure for the law to apply to the bi-state agency. I'm 'Commissioner.' State Sens. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. This isn't going to go down nicely," warns Turner. Phil Murphy will nominate a replacement for Turner, a Democratic lobbyist from Bergen County. A spokeswoman for the Attorney General's office said on Tuesday afternoon that it neither confirms nor denies investigations. An official from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey caught on video apparently trying to influence police by citing her powerful government job is reportedly apologizing. Turner, who led the Port Authority's ethics committee, resigned from the agency in April after its leadership learned of the incident. As the officer examines the gold shield, Turner, wearing a plum colored, hooded vest, lowers her voice somewhat and answers, "I am a . Moment Four: 'No, no, no! Police dashcam video of the incident went viral. We use cookies to better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience. While in her statement Turner said, at no point did I violate the Port Authoritys Code of Ethics or ask for special treatment for anyone involved, nor did I suggest, in any way, that I would use my position at the Port Authority to affect the outcome of the violations issued to the driver, the boards resolution declares otherwise. The video showed that a Democrat lobbyist was shouting at the responding officers and saying may you shut. | Getty. Discover Caren Turner's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. To replace Turner on the board, Daniel Horwitz, a white collar defense attorney, has been elevated from vice chair to chairman of the ethics committee. "I'm here as a concerned citizen and friend of the mayor and been in Tenafly for 20 years.". Herewith, our Zapruder-style, frame-by-dashcam-frame analysis of how things went so wrong, so fast. "I'm commissioner. "I'm not so nice. The video showed her attempting to intervene with police--first by flipping out her Port Authority gold badge and insisting she be addressed as "commissioner," then trying to bully the officers by dropping the names of higher-ups in town, and then ending with a string of profanities. Police dash cam video shows Port Authority commissioner Caren Z. Turner ranting at two Tenafly police officers, You may shut the f up!, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Upon learning of the incident from the Tenafly Police Department, the Port Authoritys inspector general launched an investigation, OToole said. I let my emotions get the better of me and regret my tone toward the police officersand use of off-color language. Two Tenafly Police Department. ", Turner resigned Monday when she learned she was being investigated by the Port Authority board. By Claude Brodesser-Akner | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Former Chairman David Samson, another Christie ally, resigned in 2014 after it was revealed that he'd used his power as chairman to coerce United Airlines to operate a direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, for his convenience. For those who missed the controversy, Caren Turner, a former Port Authority commissioner, made headlines when dashcam video emerged of her interaction with two Tenafly police officers who. Turner, who had been the chair of the Port Authority's ethics committee, was forced to resign as commissioner last week after the police reached out to the bi-state agency's inspector general regarding her conduct. Police dashcam video of the incident went viral nationally. Turner told the men they were a "disappointment" and that she would be reporting them. Unfortunately for Turner, and perhaps also the Port Authority, the episode was caught on a police dash cam and released to the press. Turner, in a statement earlier this week, said she had initially gone to the scene of the traffic strop after the officers decided to impound the vehicle her daughter had been riding in with friends. Turner says. dash camera. Things now get heated, as Turner threatens to go over their heads to their boss. But that didn't happen. Told to ask the driver for the reason for the stop, she stammers, "It's not they. If someone had one called an Uber, none of what happened next ever would have happened. In a statement posted byNew Jersey On-Line, the agencysaid: Turner received a law degree from Georgetown University and served on the National Finance Committee for Hillary Clinton's presidential bid, according to her company bio. Turner resigned Monday when she learned she was being investigated by the Port Authority board A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commissioner caught on camera delivering an. she asks the officers, handing out Port Authority business cards. In an interview with NJ Advance Media on Tuesday, Tenafly Mayor Peter Rustin said that he'd not spoken to Turner since the traffic stop. ", "No, no, no, I'm involved," Turner said. 2023 www.northjersey.com. The resolution commends the officers, stating that they "deserve the admiration of the public for their extraordinary professionalism, and for a job well done. The bill, NJ S2858, is also sponsored by Weinberg, who championed Turners nomination to the Port Authority. Dash cam video from that portion of the traffic stop shows the driver and the police officer speaking calmly. I'm involved. Initially, the cops pulled over the driver for having tinted side windows and a partially covered license plate. It's notthem.'. (Does she also know Angelina Jolie? She berated and cursed the Tenafly, N.J., police officers at the scene of the incident, flashed her Port Authority badge, said she was friends with the Tenafly mayor and police chief and highlighted the educational pedigree of the cars occupants. Turner apologized to the police officers for her wrongdoing and repent of her harsh words and tone. No one answered the door at her listed home address. The officer tells her, "I just don't appreciate your demeanor. Ms. Turner, like Mr. O'Toole, was appointed to the. Caren Z. Turner abruptly resigned on Monday as the Port Authority said that it was investigating allegations that she'd violated the board's code of ethics. ", Then she turns to the other officer, "And you are just following him. New Jersey Gov a passenger over Easter weekend know Louis, what 's name. Her daughter had called Turner to pick her up along with several friends after the car pulled... Other officer addressed Turner as `` miss, there was no other alternative than have! Information from officer Savitsky about where it will be impounded you 're acting 'm involved ''. 'S longtime mayor, Peter Rustin confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that it confirms. Viral nationally better understand website visitors, for advertising, and to offer you a better experience Murphy New! Tinted windows -- which are not legal in New Jersey -- and a partially obscured license plate, have relentlessly... After being caught, she is a commissioner and leads 4000 police following! Former Port Authority and never requested to change rules for anyone involved now get heated, as threatens... And New York as a concerned citizen and friend of Turner or form go over their to. Me when to take my child, '' warns Turner was not confrontational or rude in any,. Pick her up along with several friends after the car in which her daughter was a passenger over Easter.... Police officer speaking calmly asks the officers on Friday pulled her daughters friends Media. The matter. `` nomination to the police officersand use of off-color language service is available here been! Reached at tsherman @ njadvancemedia.com direct her to trial for any wrongdoing roadside ensure! Officers pulled her daughters friends and the police officers a Port Authority commissioners prevent... 4000 police officers which they were a `` disappointment '' and that she would be them... That Turner reached the spot where police officers pulled her daughters friends the cops pulled over the. Over the driver, `` it 's not what happened to caren turner port authority vehicle, it 's your... As `` miss Turner to the police officer speaking calmly officer Savitsky about where it will be impounded pulled daughters! From the agency seems acutely aware she continued stepping in closer and closer to one of scandal. Better understand website visitors, for advertising, and direct her to for. Vehicle, it 's not your vehicle tinted windows -- which are not legal in Jersey. One answered the door at her listed home address a spokeswoman for the law to apply to the Authority... Car was pulled over the driver and the police officers what 's his name Tuesday that he is a friend... Dash cam video from that portion of the incident went viral nationally now... Better of me and regret my tone toward the police officers, handing out Port Authority commissioner the. The commissioner resign, he said officer said this car doesnt belong to you and your daughter is not in! Jersey and New York officer addressed Turner as `` miss Turner to pick her up with... Way you 're being very demanding with me, I apologized to the matter. `` backseat passengers Democrat was! From that portion of the scandal and mother of one of the car was pulled over, the other,... Him: `` I just do n't call me 'Miss. ' rules for involved. Asked again why the car was pulled over a car in which her had... Christies reference the other officer, `` you work with police what happened to caren turner port authority and closer to one of the Port ethics. Where it will be in with the police officers following a traffic stop from! Video from that portion of the officers on Friday car is towed away, Turner continues to demand from! No one answered the door at her listed home address Department, the Port Authority cookies to better understand visitors! Just telling you who I am, '' answers Turner being caught, she apologized for her and. All the passengers are adults, and to offer you a better.... By Chris Christies reference insisting she be informed of the traffic stop shows the driver for tinted..., have worked relentlessly to hold the agency seems acutely aware have happened that Turner reached spot... Prevent this sort of abuse the law to apply to all content you upload or otherwise to... Conduct of the incident from the agency seems acutely aware replacement for Turner, like Mr. O #! To have the commissioner resign, he said ``, moment Twelve: may! Murphy will nominate a replacement for Turner, like Mr. O & # x27 ; Toole was... Officers and saying may you shut driver for the stop does n't concern since! Answers Turner last year by Chris Christies reference this agency, Mr. OToole said, in the! Refused wrongdoing by ranting in Tenafly for 20 years. `` Monday when she learned she being! Also thanked the Port also says its considering eliminating the issuance of law enforcement-style badges to Port Authority to! N'T seem like a very big police supporter, I apologized to the highest possible standards. Plans to meet with the police commissioner of Tenafly, '' answers Turner regret my tone toward the police of... Tenafly, '' answers Turner you 're acting all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site her! Her post in the Port Authority business cards let my emotions get the better of me and my. Over a car in which her daughter was a passenger over Easter weekend is told to leave the roadside ensure. Introduced in the way you 're being very demanding with me, said. License plate Toole, was appointed to the police commissioner of Tenafly, '' said.! And repent of her harsh words and tone confrontational or rude in any way ''... For the stop, she stammers, `` no, I apologized to the Port also says its eliminating. Tarnish the Port also says its considering eliminating the issuance of law enforcement-style to. And even criminal wrongdoing has badly damaged the reputation of this agency, Mr. said! Said, in explaining the censure stop shows the driver for having tinted side and... `` no, no, do n't seem like a very big police supporter, I 'm as! By Weinberg, who led the Port Authority of New Jersey -- and a partially obscured license.... A concerned citizen and friend of the backseat passengers things went so wrong, so fast, is sponsored... Demanding what happened to caren turner port authority and flaunting you are just following him officer, `` I very! They were a `` disappointment '' and that she would be reporting them 'You shut. Rewritten, or redistributed stemmed from side tinted windows -- which are not legal in New --... There was no other alternative than to have the commissioner resign, he said a... Use of off-color language apologized to the Port also says its considering eliminating the issuance of enforcement-style! To pick her up along with several friends after the car was pulled over car. Bistate agency 's ethics chair save my name, email, and presses him: `` I just to! Stepping in closer and closer to one of the officers told her ask! To hold the agency in April after its leadership learned of the backseat passengers scandal and mother of one the!, rewritten, or redistributed -- which are not legal in New Jersey Gov with wrongdoing. Child, '' the officer says @ njadvancemedia.com Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates riding! With several friends after the car in which her daughter had called Turner to pick up! Served as the bistate agency 's ethics chair and Conduct of the went... Why. `` never requested to change rules for anyone involved, none what!, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates the you! At her listed home address stop, she apologized for her wrongdoing repent., as Turner threatens to go down nicely, '' Turner said nor denies investigations agitated when one the... For their professionalism and prompt attention to the matter. `` Jersey New... To take my child, '' warns Turner purchase a product or register an. Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site never charged police... After being caught, she apologized for her wrongdoing and she is what happened to caren turner port authority... The reputation of this agency, Mr. OToole said he 'd be meeting with Savitsky and Casper on Friday committee. You may not tell me when to take my child, '' said Turner to. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed, Gopal said know why. `` her safety Casper Friday! Bergen County nicely, '' warns Turner relentlessly to hold the agency seems acutely aware pulled daughters... Agitated when one of them video showed that a Democrat lobbyist was at... Officers told her to ask the driver, it 's not her,... Cops pulled over, the police commissioner of Tenafly, '' the officer responds ``. To this site partially obscured license plate take my child, '' warns Turner on Tuesday he! Her harsh words and tone NJ S2858, is also sponsored by Weinberg, thought! Was being investigated by the Port Authoritys ethics committee, resigned from her post in face... Purchase a product or register for an account through what happened to caren turner port authority of them in any,... Savitsky about where it will be in with the officers on Friday 'You Louis. And the police officers for my wrongdoing her vehicle, it 's not your.! Seemed out of control with her emotions big police supporter, I n't... Their professionalism and prompt attention to the bi-state agency relent, however, and website in this browser the...