JACKSON, NJ – Jackson Township police officers representing the two police unions and their membership have requested the creation of a Director of Public Safety, a civilian job to be filled by a retired senior Jackson police officer, and on Tuesday night, the council officially approved the request.
That request comes after several high-profile incidents at the police department were attributed to what officers have called a ‘lack of leadership’ by police Chief Matt Kunz. Kunz, who was present, did not speak at the meeting Tuesday night.
The measure ended with a 3-2 vote, with Council President Jennifer Kuhn and Councilmen Scott Sargent and Mordechai Burnstein voting yes. The remaining council members, Nino Borrelli and Steve Chisolm, voted against the police unions.
Just hours before the meeting, it was revealed the Jackson Police Department settled a $1.2 million wrongful death lawsuit, blamed on lack of training by the officer involved in a high-speed crash.
Jackson Township attorney Greg McGuckin detailed creating a new civilian director position within the police department to bolster policy and procedure management while the chief can focus more on personnel management and department day-to-day operations.
McGuckin reiterated that the ordinance does not aim to eliminate or replace the Chief of Police but rather to introduce a civilian manager dedicated to strengthening the department’s policy and procedural framework.
This move comes as the council seeks to address and preempt issues within the department that have led to legal challenges, including a lawsuit recently settled by the township.
According to township officials, the civilian director will work closely with the Chief of Police, focusing on preparing and protecting the department and the township from potential lawsuits. By implementing and overseeing various policies and procedures, the role is designed to ensure compliance with legal requirements previously held solely by the police chief.
Sergeant John Rodriguez, president of the Sergeants Officers Association (SOA), addressed the need for urgent action regarding hiring and promotions within the Jackson Police Department.
Rodriguez expressed gratitude towards council members who supported the ordinance, Mayor Reina, and the dedication of union members. He highlighted the lack of progress in hiring since his last address two weeks ago, emphasizing the immediate need to commence the hiring process for the police academy beginning September 6. The detailed process, from certification to pre-employment assessments and background checks, necessitates starting the procedure within the next month to meet the academy’s timeline.
Rodriguez criticized the police chief’s statements on hiring difficulties and dismissed claims about the inadequacy of the Civil Service list for recruiting. He argued for a broader search for qualified candidates, rejecting the notion of a shortage of suitable applicants. Furthermore, Rodriguez pointed out the inefficiency in the department’s promotion process, noting the financial and operational impact of delayed promotions on the township.
The sergeant urged Chisolm and Borrelli, who opposed the ordinance, to reconsider their stance in light of the presented facts, underscoring the importance of filling vacancies and promoting officers to serve the community better.
Lieutenant Jeff Henba, a 42-year resident of Jackson and the President of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), voiced concerns over the police department’s leadership and decision-making processes in a recent speech.
Henba thanked Sergeant John Rodriguez for his remarks and proceeded to critique the actions taken by the police chief in the two weeks following the last council meeting. He described a hastily organized staff meeting called with less than 24 hours notice, which he could not attend due to prior commitments. According to Henba, only about 20% of the staff could make it to the meeting, and the chief’s communications were largely a reiteration of previous statements with little new information.
The lieutenant also mentioned a command staff meeting called with only an 8-minute notice, suggesting that such actions were inadequate responses to the concerns raised by the department’s members. Henba questioned the effectiveness of the chief’s attempts to address the department’s issues, indicating skepticism about the chief’s commitment to change.
Henba emphasized the daily challenges the department’s members face due to what he perceives as a lack of leadership and decision-making from the top. He argued that the chief fails to adequately fight for or listen to his employees, highlighting a disconnect between the department’s leadership and its rank-and-file members.
Councilman Nino Borelli rejected the ordinance to bolster the department. He said it’s up to the Jackson Police Department to work out their own issues with the police chief and that it’s not a council matter.
Councilman Mordechai Burnstein, as the police liaison from the council, said the ordinance is in the best interest not only of the officers of the Jackson Police Department but also of all Jackson residents.
Councilman Steven Chisolm said disagreements must be settled, but there’s no need for oversight at the Jackson Police Department.
“I don’t see how adding another $200,000 salary will correct that,” he said.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn said she was proud to support the police department’s rank and file and that the decision had come after many meetings with the department and its officers and voted yes.