The current ordinance stipulates that a minimum of three years of service as a sergeant is required for eligibility, reduced from the previous five-year requirement to broaden the pool of candidates. However, the suggestion emerged that if five years was deemed necessary for sergeant positions, it would be logical for the criteria for commanding officer roles to mirror this standard, resulting in a total of eight years of service. This discussion highlighted the council’s intention to ensure a robust selection process that reflects both experience and competency.

The council also touched upon the importance of consulting various stakeholders, such as the township administrator and the appropriate authority, during the selection process. Although some members felt the current structure inherently allowed for necessary consultations, others advocated for formalizing these procedures to enhance clarity. There was a consensus on maintaining a rule of three, where the township committee would select from three candidates recommended by the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Association.

The dialogue on police promotions was complemented by an exploration of the qualifications for sergeant positions, with proposals to increase the minimum required service from three to five years, thereby establishing a more comprehensive eligibility framework. The conversation underscored the importance of balancing the need for qualified candidates with operational realities faced by the township.

In addition to the police promotion criteria, the council addressed other topics, including concerns about public safety and community engagement. The meeting discussed the need for improved communication regarding police activities, such as recent crime incidents in the area. A suggestion was made to resume providing regular updates on police activities during council meetings, similar to past practices where police blotters were discussed.

The effectiveness and frequency of the Rave alert system, used to disseminate information about ongoing incidents, were also questioned. While alerts are typically issued when there is an immediate threat to public safety, the council acknowledged the importance of keeping residents informed about significant incidents, even as they navigate the operational requirements of the police department.

Parking permits were another topic of discussion, with the council focusing on the sales of yearly versus daily permits for Millington, Sterling, and Gillette. It was noted that the introduction of the Park Mobile app would streamline the process for daily commuters, allowing quicker transactions with a convenience fee for credit card use.

Further discussions included public comments on the township’s legal fees, with concerns about employees directly contacting township lawyers and the rising costs associated with legal consultations. The council agreed on the need for a more efficient process for legal inquiries.

During the public comment section, residents raised questions about the implications of a salary ordinance related to the public safety director position and the criteria for police chief eligibility, particularly regarding the inclusion of military experience. The council clarified that the salary ordinance authorizes a range and does not permanently establish any position, while recognizing the potential value of military experience in assessing candidates for police chief.