Borough cost-cutting effort sets sights on police department

STANHOPE - An idea that surfaced almost 20 years ago to merge the police departments of Stanhope and Netcong resurfaced at the council meeting held May 30. Chief Steve Pittigher made a request to discuss this possibility that was first proposed in 1988. More recently, the police departments met in 2003 to discuss a merger of the departments because officials believed a joint force would provide a more efficient and economic service to the residents of both municipalities. In 2004, the mayors entered into an agreement indicating that both municipalities were interested in the prospect. The agreement included commissioning Blue Shield Consulting Services to research the legal requirements surrounding the proposal. According to Stanhope officials, such a fusion has never taken place in New Jersey and the matter is further complicated by the fact that the municipalities are located in different counties. Although the study determined that there were no legal obstacle preventing the merger, no further steps were taken until last week. Now, officials contend, money is preventing the merger from moving forward. Mayor Diana Kuncken strongly cautioned that the current budget does not allow money to invest in conducting a feasibility study, and the only solution is to search out grant money. Councilman Brian Murphy said the present administration supports sharing services with neighboring municipalities and suggested Stanhope approach the Netcong council to see if they are still receptive to the idea of merging the police departments. Councilman Edward Schwartz agreed that a “dialogue is necessary,” and said that the Public Safety Committee could start the initial talks. Kuncken emphasized the need for the police department and Chief Pittigher to be involved in the deliberations. “He has to play a role and what the department thinks is important,” she said. In an interview after the meeting, Chief Pittigher said the idea was discussed before he entered the force “way back in 1988, to no avail.” Pittigher explained that the duties of police departments have changed over the years and responsibilities have increased to include having a role in national matters. He said that 20 years ago a department of 6 to 8 officers was able to provide patrol coverage to a town the size of Stanhope. However, he said, with today’s administrative demands and other duties departments are asked to perform, the safety of residents is compromised with a small staff. For example, Pittigher said, it is no longer acceptable or advisable to have one officer respond to calls alone. In addition, he said, the public expects supervisory control 24 hours a day to guide the officers and make the decisions. To minimize the burden on taxpayers to finance a larger police department, the chief said the municipalities must look to alternative methods to fund the level of protection desired. “The proposal has been made before, and I’m requesting the council takes further steps with it. The residents of both towns are paying for a police department, and this is looking at doubling the size of the departments for the same money,” he said. Pittigher was optimistic about obtaining grant money. “The state legislature is looking to small towns and suggesting we do some things, and grant money will allow us to look at this further and put us in a good position,” he said. “Now it’s up to the council to bring everyone together and start discussions.”