After Multiply Warnings a Disorderly Conduct Summons Issued to the Leader of the Ramsey Alliance for Social Equality

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ramsey NJ, “In light of correspondence to the Ramsey Police Department and others in the municipal government regarding the demonstration on Main Street in Ramsey on Sunday January 10th. The Ramsey Police Department provides the following information regarding demonstrations leading up to and including the January 10th event.

On Sunday January 10th, Nicholas Haas, the leader of the Ramsey Alliance for Social Equality (RASE) organized a group of protesters marching up E. Main Street without requisite approval. Mr. Haas actions disrupted the flow of traffic and created a dangerous situation for vehicular traffic and the marchers. The Ramsey Police Department received several complaints about the marchers causing traffic backups on E. Main St and officers dispatched to the scene.

For background, Mr. Haas had received at least two previous written warnings from Chief Bryan Gurney on protocols for marching in the street and not blocking the street or interfering with traffic during his weekly protests.

In fact, following one incident which occurred on November 1st, Chief Bryan Gurney who was at the event providing security for the demonstration, emailed Mr. Haas the next day advising him in writing that “there are rules, protocols and laws that pertain to marching in a public street. I hope in the future if you plan to march, you will follow

the proper protocol and get approval.” On November 5th, Mr. Haas in a follow-up email thanked Chief Gurney for his professional handling of the event and that “In the future, I will inform you beforehand when we plan to march in the street.” However, on December 13th, Mr. Haas again entered the street during a protest, this time not to march but rather write a message in the roadway. An officer providing security that day asked Mr. Haas to exit the roadway for safety purposes. On December 18th Chief Gurney sent a written follow-up again warning Mr.Haas in writing regarding activities in the roadway that “you must cease and desist from these activities or it will leave no other alternative than legal action”.

Unfortunately, Mr. Haas did not heed either the multiple written warnings he was provided by Chief Gurney on protest activities in the street, nor his own words stating he would notify the Ramsey Police beforehand on any events in the street. Therefore, due to his actions on January 10th, Mr. Haas was issued a summons for two counts of disorderly conduct for organizing and marching up East Main Street.

Regarding other participants in the event of January 10, the first officer responding, cleared the street and despite one marcher not following the officer’s direction while remaining in the street using a bullhorn standing on the double yellow line of E. Main St., and stating “we own the street”, no other summons were issued.

We acknowledge RASE’s right to demonstrate and their freedom of speech and will work to protect such right. However, public safety is paramount  and we have consistently warned Mr. Haas about taking these demonstrations into the public roadway.

The Ramsey Police Department stays committed to its mission statement and core values and we assure you that every Ramsey Police Officer shares this same commitment to treat and serve ALL citizens fairly and with respect.”