A stronger bond between police and the community saved the lives of two officers who were shot in Newark Tuesday and led to the arrest of 30-year old Kendall Howard, according to the Newark Police Department. Someone tipped them off about the whereabouts of Howard. Officials and advocates have praised the actions of civilians who helped the injured officers, calling it a testament to antiviolence organizations like the Newark Community Street Team.
“The way the community was able to respond was done very well. I think it’s a testament to the community’s growth and development and … investment from the city,” said Daamin Durden, executive director of Newark Community Street Team. “I was proud of the fact that no one else was injured outside of the two officers and this young man was arrested and not injured and that the community is safer now.”
It’s a major shift from just a few years ago, when Newark’s police department was put under a consent decree with a federal monitor, and required to make several reforms to its policing after widespread accusations of police use of force.
