Interlaken Still Considering Future of Police Department
By DON STINE
A decision is still pending on whether Interlaken will disband its own police department or rebuild it, the Borough Council said at its last meeting.
We are not going to make a decision until we know all of the variables, said Council President Elizabeth Brown.
Brown said the police issue is difficult decision and that the councils mandate is not complete.
She said borough officials met with the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and officials from both Ocean Township and Allenhurst and the governing body is now looking into finances, interviewing candidates for chief, and gathering other information.
In May the Prosecutors Office took control of the Interlaken police department and investigated records pertaining to firearms qualifications of several officers on the force.
The acting chief at the time pled guilty to tampering with the qualification records and had to pay a $1000 fine and give up his police position.
This left the department with four remaining officers, none of whom are qualified to become chief. The council has received proposals from both Ocean Township and Allenhurst to patrol the borough.
For the first time relating to this issue all council members spoke out and expressed their opinions and concerns. The meeting was moved to the Allenhurst Fire House on Hume Street to accommodate more residents.
Councilman Lynn A. Parry Jr. stressed the importance of a truly community-oriented police force.
Policemen know the names of both the children and the parents (in Interlaken). Finances are important but the nature of the town is truly at stake here, he said.
Parry pointed out that this is a decision that is being extensively studied and eventually decided.
This is not a referendum its a council decision, he said.
Councilman John G. Hoyle III said he appreciates hearing from residents but a tough decision will eventually be made.
Our decision is not going to please everyone. We are considering all the options, he said.
Councilwoman Jean Primavera said this issue has been before the council for only seven weeks.
In my mind that is not enough time to make a big decision, she said.
Primavera said the council will do its research, consult professionals, and listen to residents during the process.
Keith Miller, newcomer on the council, said one of his major concerns is the process by which the decision will be made.
Residents are divided on the issue, with some wanting a merger and others wanting to maintain a local police force.
I hope you will make a decision based on the facts and not emotions, said former Mayor Bill Dalton.
Dalton suggested the council look at other communities in the state, such as Cape May and its surrounding towns, as examples of similar mergers that have taken place.
The council also established salary ranges for police officers, with the chief at $50,000 to $130,000; a sergeant at $50,000 to $110,000; and a patrolman at $39,000 to $95,000.
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