State officials are calling for Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino to resign after a recording surfaced in which the sheriff makes racist and disparaging remarks.

WNYC radio obtained the tape from a person who was present. It was recorded on the day of Gov. Phil Murphy's inauguration in January.

On it, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino is heard saying Attorney General Gurbir Grewal was appointed because of "the turban." He also said Murphy's policies would allow blacks to "come in, do whatever the (expletive) they want, smoke their marijuana, do this do that."

Saudino is a Democrat, in an elected position.

In a statement, the governor called the comments "appalling" and said if the voice on the recording is Saudino's, he should resign.

Grewal also released a statement that said in part, “I’ve got thick skin and I've been called far worse. But the comments about the African-American community are wrong, racist, and hurtful.”

Saudino issued an apology after the recordings were made public.

“These remarks are not representative of the person that I am and they are in no way consistent with the manner in which I have conducted my life personally and as a law enforcement professional with over 46 years of service to the residents of Bergen County,” Saudino said.

The sheriff also stated that he has worked hard to increase the diversity of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office.

“Going forward I will continue to treat everyone with the respect and dignity that is deserved by all and to be diligent in my duty to protect and defend the rights of all our residents,” Saudino said.