>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING.

THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS MONDAY NIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

EMERGENCY CREWS FROM NEW JERSEY ARE ON THE GROUND IN BUFFALO NEW YORK ASSISTING IN THE RESCUE EFFORT AFTER THIS WEEKEND'S DEADLY WINTER STORM, WHICH BURIED THE COUNTY AND UP TO 50 INCHES OF SNOW, LEAVING MORE THAN 30 PEOPLE DEAD IN AND AROUND THE AREA.

THE FIERCE BLIZZARD CONDITIONS BLINDED DRIVERS, LEAVING THEM STRANDED IN THEIR CARS AND OTHERS TRAPPED IN THEIR HOMES.

ACCORDING TO A SPOKESPERSON FOR NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE, 22 MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE ARRIVED IN BUFFALO THIS MORNING.

THE TEAM IS MADE UP OF FIRST RESPONDERS AND ENGINEERS WHO HAVE ASKED VARIANCE IN DISASTER RECOVERY DATING AS FAR BACK AS 9/11.

THIS IS THE FIRST OUT OF STATE COLD-WEATHER MISSION.

THEY'RE STILL COUNTING CASUALTIES AND WHAT IS BEING CALLED WESTERN NEW YORK'S DEADLIEST STORM IN AT LEAST TWO GENERATIONS.

>>> MILITARY POLICE TODAY BEGAN ENFORCING DRIVING BANS IN BUFFALO TO KEEP THE LEFT OF THE SNOW CHOKED ROADS.

THE REST OF THE COUNTRY IS ALSO REELING FROM THE ARCTIC LAST, WHICH KILLED AT LEAST TWO DOZEN OTHERS ACROSS 10 STATES.

THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED NATIONWIDE FOR ITS DATE OFFICIALS TELL NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS THAT NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY CREWS ARE EXPECTED TO STAY ON WITH THE RECOVERY IN BUFFALO.

OTHER MEMBERS AT THE READY IF THEY ARE NEEDED.

>>> NEW JERSEY IS GETTING READY TO SHAKE THE FRIGID WEATHER THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPING OVER THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS WITH TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO CLIMB EACH DAY.

FORECASTERS PREDICTING THE STATE COULD REACH A HIGH OF UP TO 60 DEGREES BY NEW YEAR'S DAY.

THAT IS A WELCOME BREAK IN PARTICULAR FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON HOUSE.

THEY RELY ON NEW JERSEY'S CODE BLUE LOT TO HELP THEM GET SHELTER AND OTHER RESOURCES WHEN TEMPERATURES TURN EXTREME .

THAT SYSTEM IS RIDDLED WITH LIMITATIONS, ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY NORTH JERSEY.COM .

THE BERGEN RECORD.

IS INSTEAD LEAVING MANY VULNERABLE RESIDENTS OUT IN THE COLD.

ASHLEY JOINS ME NOW READ FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT YOUR REPORTING.

YOU REALLY LOOKED INTO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET SOMEONE WHO IS ON HOUSE STUFF THE STREET AND INTO CARE THAT THEY NEED.

PARTICULARLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS.

IN THAT REALLY FRIGID TEMPERATURES THAT WERE IN AND WHAT DID YOU FIND?

>> I GOT A CALL FROM A SOURCE OF MINE WHO WAS TRYING TO GET SERVICES FOR HIM AND THAT HE IS ON THE STREET IN HACKENSACK QUITE A BIT.

AND THE MAN WHO CALLED ME WAS ALSO HOMELESS IN THE PAST, AS WELL.

HE KNEW THE DIFFERENT RESOURCES TO CALL BUT KEPT ENCOUNTERING DIFFERENT ROADBLOCKS WHEN HE WAS TRYING TO REACH 211, CODE BLUE, ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE IN NEW JERSEY.

HE WAS COMING UP SHORT.

>> ESSENTIALLY, DOES IT SHOW THAT THESE SAFETY NETS ARE NOT WORKING, OR THAT THE SYSTEMS OF COMMUNICATION -- I MEAN, YOU CHRONICLED MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET INTO A SHELTER, A MOTEL.

THE HOURS HE SPENT ON THE PHONE WITH 211.

AGAIN, SOMEONE WHO IS SAVVY WITH THE SYSTEM KNOWING WHAT ROADBLOCKS YOU MIGHT FACE.

>> THERE ARE A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT TISSUES HERE.

THE FIRST TIME HE WAS TRYING TO GET HELP, BERGEN COUNTY WAS NOT IN THIS CODE BLUE DESIGNATION.

BASICALLY SOMETHING THAT HITS WHEN IT IS 32 DEGREES AND FREEZING OR THERE IS A CERTAIN WINDCHILL.

THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN THE COUNTY, EACH COUNTY DECIDES WHETHER TO CALL THIS.

HAD NOT CALLED THAT BECAUSE IT WAS MID 30s.

THIS OPENS UP WARMING CENTERS.

THAT GIVES YOU CHAIRS AND A SHELTER FOR SOMEONE TO DEFORM .

BECAUSE THE SYSTEM WAS NOT OPEN, HE WAS DENIED AFTER BEING ON THE PHONE FOR A WHILE.

ANOTHER ISSUE SERVICES IN GENERAL.

YOU NEED A PHONE TO REACH THE HELPLINE AND MATTHEW DID NOT HAVE A PHONE.

IT WAS STOLEN.

SO HE HAD TO RELY ON THE KINDNESS OF A STRANGER TO GIVE HIM A CELL PHONE OR TO MAKE THE CALL FOR HIM.

IF YOU WANTED TO GO TO A WARMING CENTER, IF IT WAS OPEN IN BERGEN COUNTY, YOU CANNOT JUST WALK UP.

THEY WILL TURN YOU AWAY AND SAY , CALL 211.

THAT IS A LOT OF HURDLES THAT THOSE WITHOUT PHONE SPACE.

>> NOT JUST THAT, BUT THE TRANSPORTATION TO GET THERE.

YOU READ THAT HE HAD A FRIEND ADVOCATING FOR HIM TO GET A READ ARE THEY WILLING POLICE OFFICER SO HE WOULD NOT HAVE TO WALK 2.5 MILES IN THE FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND THESE ARE ALL SORT OF FRACTURES IN THE SYSTEM THAT YOU ARE REPORTING REALLY POINTS OUT.

>> EXACTLY.

HE WAS ABLE TO GET A RIDE PART OF THE WAY.

THE POLICE OFFICER COULD NOT GO OUTSIDE OF HIS DESIGNATED ZONE.

HE GOT MAYBE HALFWAY THERE AND FOUND ANOTHER HOLE IN THE SYSTEM.

THEN HE WAS PROMISED A ROOM AT A LOCAL MOTEL .

BY THE TIME HE GOT THERE, THE PERSON AT THE FRONT DESK TOLD HIM THERE WAS NO ROOM.

WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED THERE.

HE WAS NOT ABLE TO GET A TELEPHONE TO CALL 211 TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED SO THEN HE WALKS BACK AND THAT WAS ANOTHER HOUR OF WALKING THERE, WHICH IS NOT HOW THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO WORK.

>> ULTIMATELY, WHAT DID YOU FIND?

IT IS NOT JUST A LOOK AT CODE BLUE AND THESE SAFETY PROGRAMS, BUT REALLY THE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM IN THE STATE.

WHAT WERE YOU ABLE TO PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON HERE?

>> IT IS A CONFUSING PROCESS.

THE OTHER OPTION THAT THIS ADVOCATE WAS TRYING TO DO FOR HIS FRIEND WAS SEE, WELL, MAYBE WE COULD GET HIM TO THE HOSPITAL.

SOME HOSPITALS THAT COULD MAYBE GIVE YOU A SHOWER AND A MEAL.

THAT SORT OF THING.

HE WANTED TO USE THE SYSTEM CALLED 262.

SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT WITH ERIC ADAMS' PLAN TO BRING PEOPLE INVOLUNTARILY TO THE HOSPITAL.

BUT YOU NEED TO BE HAVING A SORT OF MENTAL HEALTH EPISODE AND EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THIS MAN, THEY MUST HAVE SAID OH, THIS MAN SEEMS SANE.

HE IS OKAY.

HE DOES NOT AHLANDER THIS SYSTEM WHERE WE WOULD HAVE TO INVOLUNTARILY TRANCED AT HIM TO THE HOSPITAL.

THEY TALKED TO HIM FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND THEN LEFT ACCORDING TO PUBLIC RECORD.

THAT WAS AN OPTION, AS WELL.

>> A LOT THERE THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT IN TERMS OF THAT POLICY.

BOTH IN NEW YORK AND HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

ASHLEY, THANK YOU.

BERGEN RECORD NEW JERSEY .COM.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>>> THERE IS A NEW BIPARTISAN PUSH TO ROLLBACK CHANGES MADE TO NEW JERSEY'S BELL SYSTEM .

AND ACTED FIVE YEARS AGO UNDER THEN REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE, MAKING THE STATE AMONG THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATE CASH BAIL.

THE OVERHAUL WAS DESIGNED TO DO AWAY WITH THE DEBTORS PRISON.

THAT IS WHERE LOW INCOME DEFENDANTS AWAIT TRIAL BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE RAIL.

THE POLICY REVERSAL WAS A STUNNING CHANGE FOR DEMOCRATS WHO CHAMPIONED REFORMS TO THE STATE JUSTICE SYSTEM, LEAVING SOME OBSERVERS TO WESTERN WHETHER POLITICS IS AT PLAY.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ REPORTS.

>> Reporter: WHEN JERSEY CITY OFFICIALS SHARED END-OF-THE-YEAR CRIME STATS AT RECENTLY, THE NEWS BEHIND THE HEADLINES OF REDUCED HOMICIDES AND GUN VIOLENCE WAS LESS ROSY.

AND ALMOST ALL OTHER AREAS, WAS ACTUALLY UP MOTHER SAID.

THE REASON, MOST LIKELY, OFFICIALS SAY, IS BAIL REFORM.

>> LOWER-LEVEL CRIMINALS BEING MORE EMBOLDENED AND GETTING MORE EMBOLDENED AS THEY DISCOVER THE EFFECTS OF BAIL REFORM.

THEY'RE NOT KEPT IN FOR THINGS THEY USED TO BE.

>> IT'S A STORY YOU HEAR A LOT NOWADAYS.

CRIME IS UP AT FIRST IT WAS THE PANDEMIC AND NOW BAIL REFORM.

DEMOCRATS HAVE NOW JOINED IN THE CALL FOR BAIL REFORM.

MANY OBSERVERS , THE DATA SUGGESTS THE CRIME WAVE IS ABOUT A BIG AS THE RED WAVE IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETED MIDTERMS, WHICH IS TO SAY, NOT MUCH.

>> THERE IS THIS PERCEPTION THAT WITHOUT DETENTION, NO ONE IS BEING RELEASED OR DONE IS BEING DETAINED.

IF YOU LOOK ON THE JUDICIARY WEBSITE, YOU CAN SEE WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW.

THE NUMBERS SHOW MORE THAN 50% OF CASES WHERE PROSECUTORS REQUEST DETENTION, THEY ARE GETTING IT .

IT'S NOT THAT PROSECUTORS ARE ADVOCATING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OR JUDGES ARE ABDICATING THEIRS.

THE SYSTEM IS WORKING AS INTENDED READ >> Reporter: OR THE LEGISLATURE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR, CRIME IS AN ISSUE IS A BIPARTISAN CONCERN.

THE UPTICK IN CAR THEFTS OVER THE YEARS SHOWS THAT A FIX IS NEEDED.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY AND REPUBLICAN SENATOR JOHN BROWN NICK AGREES.

THE SOLUTION IS EDUCATION -- LEGISLATION LIKE TIGHTENING RULES ON PRETRIAL DETENTION.

>> THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHOULD BE ON THE DEFENDANT, NOT THE STATE, TO LET THEM OUT.

THAT IS WHY I AM RECOMMENDING WE TAKE A SECOND HARD LOOK AT REAL REFORM.

>> THE STATISTICS DO NOT SEEM TO BEAR OUT A NEED TO LOOK AT BAIL REFORM .

DO YOU DISAGREE WITH THAT?

>> THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WHEN YOU HAVE REPEATED CAR THEFTS AND POLICE OFFICERS SAID THEY DON'T GO TO JAIL EVEN THOUGH THEY'VE STOLEN A CAR ON TWO OR THREE OCCASIONS, THAT'S JUST COMMON SENSE THAT WE NEED TO LOOK AT IT DEPENDING ON THE CRIME.

>> Reporter: THE FOCUS, RHETORICALLY, AND EVEN IN THE BILL, HAS BEEN AUTO THEFT, WHICH TICKED UP DURING PANDEMIC YEARS BUT HAS NOW STARTED TO DIP AGAIN ACCORDING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE.

SHALOM SUGGESTS IF THERE IS A NEED FOR BAIL REFORM, THE PROCESS TO DO THAT SHOULD BE AS DELIBERATIVE AS IT WAS WHEN THE MOVEMENT STARTED BACK IN 2014.

>> I THINK THE KEY TO THAT IS THAT IT CAME AFTER A DELIBERATIVE PROCESS.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE CALLED TOGETHER TO THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

STAKEHOLDERS FROM ALL SIDES CAME.

WE LOOKED AT NUMBERS AND DATA AND WE CAME UP WITH RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ULTIMATELY BECAME THIS STATUTE WE ARE VERY PROUD OF.

>> POLITICS AND ELECTIONS OFTEN TRUMP LOGIC AND DELIBERATION , NOTES ANOTHER POLITICAL OBSERVER.

>> BEFORE YOU THROW IT OUT FOR EMOTIONAL REASONS OR KNEE-JERK REASONS, NOT REALLY FOR PROTECTIVE POLITICAL REASONS, YOU DON'T WANT TO BE BLAMED IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS FOR, YOU KNOW, WHAT IS PERCEIVED TO BE AN UPTICK IN CRIME.

BEFORE WE ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, WE REALLY OUGHT TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON.

>> Reporter: THE BILL IS NOT YET SCHEDULED FOR A HEARING.

PUTTING THE BURDEN ON DEFENDANTS TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE NOT AT RISK TO FLEE OR REOFFEND IS THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE FIVE-YEAR-OLD REFORM BILL WAS SUPPOSED TO DO.

THIS HAS ADVOCATES WORRIED THAT THE PENDULUM IS SWINGING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

AND THAT IT IS POWERED BY POLITICS.

DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE WOMEN'S PRISON IS STEADILY IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR WOMEN'S INMATES.

ONE ISSUE IS STILL UNRESOLVED.

THE FUTURE OF THE CENTURY-OLD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY AND 2021 PLEDGED TO CLOSE THE HUNTERDON COUNTY PRISON FOLLOWING DECADES OF REPORTED ABUSES AND A SCATHING REVIEW BY THE U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT WHICH CITED VIOLATIONS OF INMATES' CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

AS 2022 COMES TO A CLOSE, ADVOCATES ARE PUSHING THE STATE FOR ANSWERS ONLINE AND HOW THAT PRISON WILL BE REPLACED.

SENIOR DIGITAL PROJECT EDITOR COLLEEN O'DAY AS WE NOW WITH THE LATEST.

CALLING, AS WE COME TO A CLOSE ON THE YEAR, A LOT OF THE REVELATIONS ARE STILL NOT YET ADDRESSED, ALTHOUGH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE.

WHAT DID YOU FIND IN YOUR REPORTING?

>> THE BIG ONE, OF COURSE, IS THE FACILITY.

THE GOVERNOR IN JUNE 2021 ANNOUNCE THE FACILITY, WHICH IS CLOSE TO 110 YEARS OLD WOULD BE CLOSING, BUT WE STILL DON'T HAVE ANY SPECIFICS ABOUT THAT.

THE CORRECTIONS COMMISSIONER SAID IN SEPTEMBER THAT THE CONSULTANT THAT THE STATE HAD HIRED WAS PRETTY MUCH CLOSE TO FINISHING THE JOB.

WE ARE TOLD THAT REPORT IS COMPLETE AND ON HER DESK.

IT IS BEING REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT IN THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE.

WE SAW SOME PROBLEMS OVER THE SUMMER WHEN TEMPERATURES ROSE UP INTO THE 90s INDOORS AND STAYED THERE .

THAT PROMPTED THE FACILITY TO HAVE TO MOVE A NUMBER OF WOMEN OVER TO A NEARBY CLOSED FACILITY AND WITH SOME OTHER WOMEN INTO AN AIR-CONDITIONED COTTAGE ON THE GROUND.

DEFINITELY THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

I WOULD EXPECT TO SEE RECOMMENDATIONS FAIRLY SOON IN THE NEW YEAR.

>> Reporter: THE DEPARTMENT, CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, ACKNOWLEDGED FROM THE GET GO THAT FULFILLING GOVERNOR MURPHY'S EARLY PROMISE TO CLOSE THE FACILITY WOULD TAKE SOME TIME .

SO, WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE CULTURE THERE?

YOU AND I KNOW FOR DECADES THEY WERE REPORTS OF ABUSE, SEXUAL MISCONDUCT , AND OTHER ALLEGED MISGIVINGS THERE.

>> THAT WAS ONE OF THE BRIGHT SPOTS OUT OF THE REPORT FROM THE FEDERAL MONITOR.

THE FACILITY HAS BEEN UNDER FEDERAL MONITORING NOW FOR ABOUT 16 MONTHS.

THIS IS DUE TO THE CULTURE THAT WAS THERE FOR DECADES.

THE REPORTS WHICH CAME OUT LAST MONTH SHOWS THAT THERE HAS BEEN QUITE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE CULTURE THERE .

THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN TRYING TO RECRUIT PARTICULARLY MORE WOMEN OFFICERS.

WE DON'T HAVE -- WE DIDN'T HAVE, EXCUSE ME, ANY HIGH PROFILE ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT THAT WE KNEW ABOUT THIS YEAR.

WHICH IS CERTAINLY A GOOD THING.

THE WOMEN WHO WERE INTERVIEWED FOR THE MONITOR HAVE REALLY REPORTED THAT THINGS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED .

OF COURSE, THEY ARE NOT ANYWHERE CLOSE TO WHERE THEY NEED TO BE YET.

>> WHAT IS STILL NEEDED AND WHAT IS THE FEDERAL MONITOR SITE ABOUT IN TERMS OF IMPROVEMENTS?

>> SUPPOSED TO KEEP ALLEGATIONS PRIVATE UNDER FEDERAL LAW.

NOBODY THERE THINKS THAT THAT HAPPENS.

THAT NEEDS TO GO INTO ANOTHER ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

ALLEGATIONS ON WHETHER IT HAPPENS OR NOT.

IF THEY MAKE AN ALLEGATION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, THERE IS THIS FEELING WHETHER REAL OR NOT THAT SHE'S BEING RETALIATED AGAINST.

EITHER BEING CITED FOR VIOLATIONS OF MINOR OFFENSES .

AND THE FINAL THING IS THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE BETTER COMMUNICATION.

THE MONITOR FOUND THAT THE DEPARTMENT SOMETIMES DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE FACILITY IS DOING AND SOMETIMES WITHIN THE FACILITY, THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT KNOW THE GUARDS DO NOT KNOW.

THERE IS A LACK OF COMMUNICATION.

THOSE ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT THE MONITOR CITED NEEDED IMPROVEMENT.

>> WE WILL CONTINUE WATCHING IN 2023.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> MORE DETAILS ON THE FEDERAL REVIEW AND FUTURE, CHECK OUT THE FULL STORY ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG .

AND NEARLY ONE YEAR LATER, THE FAMILY OF FELIX TO JESUS IS STILL SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS.

THE MAN REMAINS MISSING AFTER VANISHING LAST FEBRUARY , SHORTLY AFTER BEING DETAINED BY POLICE.

HIS LAST KNOWN WHEREABOUTS IS IN A FOUR MINUTE LONG POLICE BUT A CAM VIDEO RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC THAT DOES NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY.

NOW HAS LOVED ONES WANT STATE AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS TO TAKE ON THE CASE.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS.

>> HOW CAN SOMEBODY JUST DISAPPEAR AFTER THEY WERE LAST SEEN ALIVE IN POLICE CUSTODY ?

NOW THEY CAN'T FIND HIM?

WHERE IS HE?

>> Reporter: THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN HAUNTING HIS FAMILY FOR NEARLY A YEAR.

HE DISAPPEARED NEARLY -- AFTER POLICE TOOK HIM INTO CUSTODY .

THE NIGHT BEGAN HERE WERE A WOMAN SAID HE GRABBED HER.

>> HE WAS DRUNK?

>> I DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS.

LISTEN.

I WILL TELL YOU WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

I JUST WANT TO GO BACK TO MY HOUSE.

>> WHAT HAPPENED REMAINS UNCLEAR BECAUSE THE BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE FROM THE ARRESTING OFFICERS IS INCOMPLETE.

IT STARTS WITH DE JESUS ALREADY ON THE GROUND IN HANDCUFFS WITH NO SOUND.

THE MICROPHONE THEN TURNS ON .

HE CAN BE HEARD TELLING POLICE HIS HAND IS BROKEN.

THE FOOTAGE LATER CUTS OFF WHILE HE IS STILL IN CUSTODY.

BEFORE POLICE RELEASED HIM INTO WESTSIDE PARK AND PATTERSON WEARING ONLY A T-SHIRT ACCORDING TO THE LAST VIDEO FOOTAGE SEEN OF HIM.

>> Reporter: IF THE COPS WOULD'VE NEVER ARRESTED MY BROTHER, THAT NIGHT, MY BROTHER WOULD HAVE BEEN BACK HOME.

>> Reporter: YOU FOUGHT THEM FOR ARRESTING HIM EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A SITUATION WHERE HE WAS ALLEGEDLY GRABBING A WOMAN?

>> YES.

BUT ACTUALLY, I HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE WOMAN.

SHE SAID SHE DID NOT WANT TO PRESS CHARGES SO THEY LET HIM GO RIGHT THEN AND THERE BUT THEY DECIDED TO PUT HIM IN THE PATROL CAR AND TOOK HIM AND THEY DUMPED HIM IN THE PARK.

IT WAS A VERY DARK SPOT WITH NO LIGHTS.

CODE BLUE WEATHER.

VERY COLD.

AND THEY JUST DUMPED HIM OUTSIDE.

THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND.

IT WAS RAINING THAT NIGHT.

AND THEY DID 100% WRONG.

>> THEY BROKE PROTOCOL IN TERMS OF CUTTING OFF THE CAMERA BECAUSE IT IS SUPPOSED TO CONTINUOUSLY RUN.

SOMEBODY MANUALLY CUT OFF THE CAMERA.

THAT IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM.

THAT RIGHT THERE HELPS THEM IN THE COVER-UP OF WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS YOUNG MAN.

THE CAMERA WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE TURNED OFF.

>> THE CITY HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THEIR WRONGDOING.

>> HE WAS INTOXICATED AND CREATING A DISTURBANCE.

HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DROPPED OFF AT THE HOSPITAL.

THEY ARE EXERCISED POOR JUDGMENT.

WE TOOK ACTION AND DISCIPLINES THOSE POLICE OFFICERS.

HOWEVER, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WE ARE STILL TRYING TO FIND FELIX DE JESUS.

>> THE FAMILY ALONG WITH COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS HAVE BEEN SHOWING UP TO COMMUNITY MEETINGS REGULARLY DEMANDING HARSHER PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFICERS.

THE MAYOR SAYS THE THREE-MONTH SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY WAS AN APPROPRIATE PENALTY.

>> THOSE ARE VERY STRINGENT MEASURES THAT WERE TAKEN.

>> SOME MIGHT SAY IT DOES NOT SEND A STRONG ENOUGH MESSAGE.

THAT THE ADMINISTRATION TRYING TO ENFORCE BODY CAMERAS HAS NOT TAKEN IT SERIOUSLY ENOUGH.

SOMEONE SHUT OFF THE CAMERA.

NOW THERE IS A MISSING PERSON.

>> WE STAND FIRM BELIEVING THAT WE TOOK THE APPROPRIATE ACTION.

>> Reporter: THE CITY WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE DEPARTMENT IN CHARGE OF THE MISSING PERSONS INVESTIGATION WHERE DE JESUS LIVED AND HAVE OFFERED A $10,000 REWARD IT >> THAT WAS A MAJOR VIOLATION.

THIS YOUNG MAN IS MISSING.

WE DO NOT KNOW WHERE HE IS AND THE CAMERA FOOTAGE THAT WE COULD HAVE USED IN THE INVESTIGATION WAS TURNED OFF.

THAT DOES NOT HELP THEIR CASE IN TERMS OF TELLING US THAT EVERYTHING ON IT WAS ABOVEBOARD.

>> Reporter: THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY HAS CREATED A BREEDING GROUND OF DISTRUST.

>> THEY MAY BE FELT SOME TYPE OF WAY OR OFFENDED AND THEY PROBABLY HURT MY BROTHER AND THEY ARE TRYING TO HIDE THAT.

THE FAMILY WOULD LIKE FOR THE FBI TO GET INVOLVED IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO GET INVOLVED BECAUSE I BELIEVE THERE IS A COVER-UP GOING ON.

IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.

THERE'S A LOT OF BRUTALITY GOING ON.

>> Reporter: THE CITY INVESTIGATION HAS DISCOVERED ANOTHER LEAD THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PATTERSON POLICE.

>> HE WAS LAST SEEN WITH FIVE INDIVIDUALS.

ONE OF THOSE REMAINS A PERSON OF INTEREST.

>> IN THE MEANTIME, THE FAMILY IS HOLDING OUT HOPE THAT THEY WILL FIND HIM ALIVE.

I AM JOANNA GAGIS, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE HOUSING MARKET HAS BEEN A TOUGH PLACE TO NAVIGATE SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

ALL SIGNS ARE POINTING TO A RETURN TO NORMAL NEXT YEAR.

THAT'S GOOD NEWS.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER JOINS US WITH THE DETAILS, PLUS TONIGHT TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> Reporter: 2023 COULD BRING MORE STABILITY TO THE HOUSING MARKET IN NEW JERSEY AND ELSEWHERE.

WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN SIGNS THAT SKYHIGH PRICES ARE COMING DOWN TO EARTH.

THE K SCHILLER HOUSING REPORT OUT THIS MORNING SHOWS HOME PRICES IN THE U.S. FELL IN OCTOBER FOR THE FOURTH STRAIGHT MONTH.

THIS SALES DATA FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HAS ALSO SHOWN CONSECUTIVE MONTHS IN DECLINE.

IN NEW JERSEY, THE MEDIAN SALES PRICE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOME WAS $470,000, ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT DATA , DOWN FROM $510,000 OVER THE SUMMER.

MARKET WATCHERS SAY HOME PRICES WILL LIKELY CONTINUE TO PULL BACK NEXT YEAR, ESPECIALLY AS MORTGAGE RATES HAVE CLIMBED.

DAYS AFTER ANNOUNCING THAT NETFLIX IS COMING TO THE STATE, NEW JERSEY IS NOW SWEETENING INCENTIVES FOR FILM STUDIO LIONS GATE FILMS.

THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAS NAMED LIONS GATE AS THE STATE'S FIRST-EVER STUDIO PARTNER.

THE DESIGNATION MAKES LIONS GATE ELIGIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL TAX CREDITS.

THEY ARE SET TO LEASE SPACE AT EIGHT NEWARK FACILITY CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE FIVE PRODUCTION STAGES , AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FALL OF 2024.

LONG TIME PS E.G.

EXECUTIVE RETIRING AT THE END OF THIS WEEK.

CURRENTLY SERVING AS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN HELPING IN THE TRANSITION AS ROLF LAROSA TOOK OVER EARLIER THIS YEAR.

I RECENTLY SAT DOWN AND ASKED HIM WHAT HE THOUGHT HIS BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS DURING HIS LONG TENURE.

HE NAMED A FEW ITEMS .

SAVING THE NUCLEAR PLANTS AND PUTTING ENERGY-EFFICIENT THE EFFORT , IN HIS WORDS, ON STEROIDS.

>> I REMEMBER WHEN I BEGAN AND NOW WE ARE OVER 300 MILLION PER YEAR.

I DO THINK PSEG IS DOING A GREAT JOB MAKING WHAT WE CALL A JUST TRANSITION.

WE HAVE MADE A HUGE EMPHASIS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AMONG EMPLOYEES AND SUPPLIERS.

>> WESTERN TO WALL STREET FOR A LOOK AT HOW THE STOCK MARKET CLOSED TODAY.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> AND THAT IS OUR SHOW TONIGHT.

MAKE SURE TO GO TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJREALTOR.COM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

NEW JERSEY REALTORS FOR THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION IS ONLINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

AND BY THE PSEG FOUNDATION.

>>> LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF .

I BECAME AN ESL TEACHER TO GIVE MY STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, DREAM, ACHIEVE.

A CHANCE TO BELONG AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA CROMPTON AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN NJEA MEMBER.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP HAS BEEN SERVING NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES FOR OVER A CENTURY.

AS PART OF THE GARDEN STATE, WE HELP COMPANIES KEEP THEIR VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, AND FLEES ON THE JOB, AND PROJECTS ON TRACK .

WORKING TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM ILLNESS AND INJURY.

TO KEEP GOODS AND SERVICES MOVING ACROSS THE STATE AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF NEW JERSEY.

NJM.

WE'VE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.