A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Rick Richardella and Bob Simino, retired police chiefs from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, who introduced the Local Assistance Bureau. This Bureau aims to support municipalities by offering guidance and technical assistance on various issues, including police operations. Richardella presented a comprehensive operational study designed to address Pleasantville’s police staffing needs amidst fiscal challenges. He emphasized that the state’s economic uncertainty has heightened taxpayer concerns over high taxes, making it important to optimize police department resources without sacrificing public safety.

Richardella detailed the methodology for determining adequate police staffing, critiquing common approaches like per capita ratios, which can lead to reductions when populations drop. Instead, he advocated for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) formula, which offers a mathematical basis for assessing staffing requirements. Richardella highlighted that Pleasantville’s officers responded to approximately 37,000 calls in 2023, each averaging 30 minutes in response time. The proposed staffing model recommends maintaining the current level of 59 officers, incorporating 32 patrol officers and 10 detectives, based on crime statistics and response needs.

The presentation also underscored the importance of community engagement through programs like Comstat or City Stat, which facilitate regular interactions between citizens and police officers. These programs have reportedly improved community relations and issue resolution in other municipalities. Richardella also suggested creating a class two officer feeder program to enhance diversity within the police force and encouraged exploring grant opportunities to fund various initiatives, including recreational projects.

The council discussed implementing crime mapping and management programs like CityStat and CompStat, which use data to identify high-crime areas and direct resources accordingly. These programs aim to enhance accountability and foster a bond between the police and the community. The proposed Neighborhood Stabilization Unit would rapidly respond to specific complaints, such as drug activity, improving the police department’s responsiveness to community concerns.

Council members raised concerns about the potential costs of implementing CompStat and the need for clarity on financial commitments. They stressed the importance of balancing enhanced police capabilities with managing community expectations and costs. In addition, the meeting addressed the benefits of civilian roles within the police department.

Public comments further highlighted concerns about local employment opportunities and the financial implications of current services. An unidentified speaker emphasized the need to retain jobs for local residents, while Tim Jones questioned the necessity of spending on new data collection services if effective solutions already exist. Jones also inquired about unresolved issues regarding officers on leave due to a past shooting incident, calling for accountability and resolution.

The council reviewed several resolutions, including an agreement with GMM Associates for a redevelopment project and an amended agreement concerning California Avenue. These resolutions reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to facilitate local development.

Mayor Judy M. Ward expressed appreciation for the city’s public works department in managing snow removal and highlighted the need for better comparisons of Pleasantville’s metrics against other municipalities. The mayor acknowledged the lengthy wait for a significant report anticipated by citizens and stressed the importance of transparency in making it publicly available.

As the meeting concluded, discussions emphasized the need for accountability within all city departments, with suggestions for department heads to attend council meetings and answer questions directly. The session ended with a general acknowledgment of the contributions made by city officials and staff, along with a celebratory note regarding a council member’s birthday.