Above The Law--Hold NJ Troopers Accountable!!

     NJ State Troopers are not having a very good year so far in 2012.  It is absolutely outrageous, as a citizen of this state, that the code of Duty, Honor, Fidelity of our supposed heroes is laid waste by the many unlawful acts that they have been committing.  Now I am sure there are many trustworthy, hardworking and honest officers that are serving the law, but it is disgraceful that the bad officers are allowed to get away without more than a slap on the wrist.  Riddled by the catastrophe that was deemed "Death Race 2012" earlier this year when officers were escorting a caravan of cars in a high speed race down the Garden State Parkway, which involved then running back of the NY Giants, Brandon Jacobs, now another officer has admitted to stealing over $7000 worth of gas.
     This is your taxes at work New Jersey!!  Staff Sgt. Steven M. Jones, 25 years on the trooper force, not only stole the gas that OUR taxes pay for, but was given a plea agreement from Internal Affairs to retire with 50% of his pay instead of 65% and all he lost was his medical benefits.  Unfortunately for most in this state, that theft would have translated into at least four years in prison, a felony on their record and no pension.  It is appalling that this is allowed to happen.  Police officers are in place to uphold the law, not circumvent it for their own gain and the gain of their families, then walk away with a smile on their face.
     Jones claimed in his hearing that he abused alcohol and did not always follow his treatment program and had incurred a lot of debt which ultimately led to his theft.  I do believe that seems to be the same excuse that many criminals use in their defense and it is usually left to a judge to determine a penalty for breaking the law, not a retirement board.  Jones should have been charged and left to face the system like all others that he has had to arrest for 25 years.  What gives him the right to be above the law?  The unlawful practice of those that should be upholding the laws in this state are beyond reprehensible and they are not being held accountable.
     You can go to http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/state_trooper_pumped_7k_of_gas.html to see the full story and let Governor Christie know that the taxpayers want to hold these individuals to higher standards.  As you drive around, there are numerous officers that are talking on their phones and typing on their computers while swerving in and out of traffic, and many others that are doing the same things as the "criminals" on the streets, yet only receive a transfer or a forced retirement.  Good thing for the new ACA, now Jones will be able to afford quality healthcare at a good price while making $50,000 a year in retirement instead of $1.35 a day in one of the states fine correctional facilities.
     Theft is theft, no matter who you may be in life.  Many people have legitimate addiction disorders and could have been given the benefit of the doubt instead of rotting away in a penitentiary.  But, I guess when you have the law on your side, then you are not labeled a criminal, but just a poor decision-maker.  Chris Christie has to investigate further and let his Troopers understand that this will not be tolerated.  The only way to do this is treating them as citizens, not as someone who is Above The Law!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Wx-XTDuZ2Hs&vq=medium#t=40