Hightstown Likely to Approve New Police Director Slot

The borough is getting one step closer to naming its top law enforcement officer a civilian police director. 

The Borough Council is expected to vote Aug. 15 on an ordinance, which was approved on first reading last week, that would create the new position.

The position of police director would replace the current position of police chief, giving more oversight to the borough council and saving Hightstown money according to Mayor Steven Kirson.

"We are 1.2 square miles in size, and 38 percent tax exempt. For a small town we really have a function to monitor and moderate expenses, and that's what's driving a good portion of the decision to go with a police director," Mayor Kirson said.

According to the mayor, there would be a cost savings of approximately $35,000 to $40,000 a year by selecting a civilian police director. Whereas, a sworn police chief would incur a benefits package that would total that amount, the mayor said.

"In this environment we find ourselves really looking for cost savings," Mayor Kirson said. "We're no different than almost any municipality in New Jersey. Everyone is looking to save money."

Mayor Kirson said the civilian position would not be given a municipal car, would not have the authority to conduct traffic stops, wear a uniform or carry a firearm.

Last month, the Borough Council held a discussion session regarding the selection of a civilian police director in the wake of the announcement of the retirement of Chief James Eufemia, who is scheduled to leave his post in September.

During last month's meeting, council members sifted through the second draft committee revisions outlining the public safety director ordinance; discussing a variety of issues in the 25-page draft ordinance, including the position’s length of term, removal procedures for the position, duties and responsibilities and codes of conduct for him or her to follow.

According to council member Isabel McGinty, who served on the committee that helped draft the ordinance, the council is not expected to make any changes to the draft regulation.

During the Aug. 1 meeting, McGinty provided a 15-point summary statement as to why the borough should hire a civilian police director.

McGinty echoed some of the mayor's sentiments, adding that a civilian director would be required to come before the council on a regular basis to address budgetary constraints and the economic realities of the borough, and to explain to the council and to borough residents how the residents’ money is being used by the police department.

McGinty also stated that the civilian position would enhance the professionalism of the department by instituting an administrative head who the council would place in charge of ensuring that the department's officers, "…have the highest order of professionalism as their constant goal," she wrote.

"One of the first and most important duties of the police director would be to put in place clear structures for responsibility and accountability within the Department, which the professional corps of officers would surely welcome," McGinty continued.

Mayor Kirson said the borough would take however long it needs to hire the appropriate candidate and that the council will consult with the Hightstown attorneys to determine how best to police the borough in the absence of a chief.