Totally outrageous:
In the video, taken Monday at the borough municipal building, resident Steve Wronko gets into a verbal confrontation with Recine, who was called to the building because Wronko was seen taking pictures inside.
After Wronko insists he has a constitutional right to record in a public place, Recine responds.
"Obama has decimated the friggin' constitution, so I don't give a damn," says Recine, a retired Franklin cop. "Because if he doesn't follow the Constitution we don't have to."
Wronko then turns to the person recording the camera to make sure that was recorded. Recine repeats himself.
"Our president has decimated the constitution, then we don't have to."
Watch:
Police Director Robert Manney said the officer's comments were an "embarrassment," but he's also featured in the video, escorting Wronko out of the building.
The dispute began with the local animal shelter:
Collene Wronko said problems began after her family adopted a dog from the Helmetta Animal Shelter that they thought was healthy. Instead, the dog turned out to be ill with parasites and the family spent about $4,000 on medical bills.
They tried to approach shelter officials for more information but police were called. When they tried to serve an OPRA request at municipal hall seeking additional information police again were called and the Obama comments were made, Collene Wronko said.
Wronko said the OPRA request has not been served because her husband was thrown out of the building.
Now, perhaps Wronko and his family could've handled themselves differently, but do the people of New Jersey really need a police officer on the streets who doesn't think he needs to follow the Constitution?
UPDATE: Officer Recine has now resigned.
