Waldwick December 15, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 The Waldwick Police Department is looking to promote a patrol officer to sergeant, but all borough council members are not convinced of the need for four sergeants in addition to a detective sergeant. At present two of the four squads are led by senior patrolmen acting as squad commanders. At issue during last week’s mayor and council meeting, however, was whether the department could be restructured to obviate the need for the sergeants. One question Council discusses police department staffing options was whether the detective position could be handled by a patrolman, which would then allow the current detective sergeant to take on patrol leader responsibilities. “It’s a different function from a patrolman. The detective needs supervisory rank and authority. He needs to have flexible working hours, which also reduces the need for prior approval and overtime,” explained Police Chief Mark Messner. “He also has court responsibilities and acts as the property and evidence officer. If this is not done carefully, it could compromise a case,” he added. “A lot gets put on the back burner when a serious case comes in,” said Det. Sgt. Douglas Moore, who assumed the detective duties in June after five years as a patrol sergeant. He said his job entails being present at all crime scenes and supervising the officers there. Moore handles all sensitive investigations, prepares officers for court appearances and works with the prosecutor’s office handling any surveillance done in town. Another question was whether the lieutenant could carry out some patrol responsibilities if a civilian were hired to perform some of his administrative duties. “Many tasks could be done by a civilian. We free the lieutenant of these tasks. If he doesn’t have so much administration, we don’t have to get a fourth sergeant,” said Councilwoman Anita Bozzo. “I challenge anyone with no police experience to do the scheduling without violat- What makes our mailbox services better? Open a mailbox at the UPS Store and don’t you worry about a thing, with: Secure, 24 access* • Mail holding and forwarding** • Package acceptance from all carriers Package notification • Convenient Call-in MailCheck* and more At the UPS Store®, we give you a real street address, not just a P.O. Box. And that’s only the beginning. Stop in for details – and Save RAMSEY MAIN STREET PLAZA 120 E. MAIN STREET RAMSEY, NJ 07446 (201)995-1003 store5911@theupsstore.com The UPS Store Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Sat 8:30 am - 4:40 pm * Available at participating locations ** Additional fees may apply ing the contract or the law,” countered Lt. Ed Weber. Weber said that in addition to the scheduling and acting as the internal affairs officer, he supervises the sergeants in the rotating shifts, enforces training requirements and often conducts the training inhouse to save on overtime, serves as the purchasing officer and keeps track of the budget and equipment, among other duties. Councilman Frank Palladino also wondered whether three squad sergeants could handle the four squads in overlapping shifts. “It’s not possible. It’s a 24/7 operation,” said Borough Administrator Gary Kratz. “Each squad is a team; it works together with a clear line of authority. It is not efficient to mix & match in a dangerous situation,” Weber said. Bozzo asked whether the night shift could be handled by two officers as is the case in other area towns. “It’s not safe. We have different demographics,” Chief (continued on page 12) 3 MONTHS FREE Restrictions apply. Expires 12/31/10 with a one year mailbox services agreement $ The UPS Store PASSPORT PHOTOS Restrictions apply. Expires 12/31/10 200 Off The UPS Store UPS AIR SERVICE 15% Off Once Upon A Time... Introducing our 2011 COMMUNION DRESS collection! Featured Event A Special Occasions Boutique Restrictions apply. Expires 12/31/10 The UPS Store 11-3-10 Joan from Janine UPSStore3X3(11-3-10) 3X3 Rev1 Christie Helene Communion Dress Trunk Show Monday 12.27 thru Wed 12.29 A 10% discount will be given on dress purchases made during trunk show only Space is limited so call to schedule your appointment today! 973-890-7077 onceuponatimestore.com 453 Main Street, Little Falls 12-8-10 janine OnceUponATime3x3.5Color(12-8-10) 3 x 3.5