"My duties take me out into the community, and a restructuring would leave no question who is in charge in my absence." -Chief Michael Paquette
By: Melissa Morgan
The Township Council has approved plans to appoint a deputy police chief.
The council voted 4-1 in favor of the plan, which was proposed by Police Chief Michael Paquette to ensure a clear line of command at all times.
"The role of the police chief has changed substantially," Chief Paquette said. "My duties take me out into the community, and a restructuring would leave no question who is in charge in my absence."
Under the plan, the township will eliminate one sergeant’s position and leave the number of captains and lieutenants at their current level. Currently, there are 14 sergeants, three lieutenants and two captains. A fourth lieutenant position is vacant.
Chief Paquette will appoint the deputy chief by recommendation to the township manager, rather than requiring a test.
Chief Paquette did not outline specific responsibilities for the new deputy chief position. However, he said the deputy chief will handle some of the work currently handled by the chief.
Under current rules, if the chief is to be away from the department he is to appoint someone usually one of the two captains to act as chief in his place.
Chief Paquette said that the new position has been in the works for a long time.
"We don’t want anyone to think it is a knee-jerk reaction," he said. "It is not a result of Sept. 11, but because there is a need for us to continue to be the kind of police department that you want."
The chief said 40 percent of the towns in Middlesex County similar in size to South Brunswick have a deputy chief position.
Mayor Debra Johnson opposed the new position.
"I don’t see a need for change," she said. "We need more people like sergeants instead of higher brass."
Councilwoman Carol Barrett supported the chief’s plan.
"I can’t imagine any organization running efficiently without knowing who is in charge at all times," Ms. Barrett said.
Councilman Frank Gambatese also favored appointing a deputy chief but expressed concern about extra costs that might arise as a result of the new position.
"We have to recognize that our township has grown," Mr. Gambatese said. "But there is a problem that exists when we create a new position. We seem to have to make four or five promotions to follow."
Chief Paquette said no new police officers will added to the department, because of the elimination of the sergeant’s position. The difference in salary between the proposed deputy chief slot and a sergeant will amount to about $25,000.

