Chief says layoffs won’t leave enough
officers to fill needed patrols
By:Alec Moore
Manville Police Chief John Petrovic says the loss of five police officers to budget cuts will have an extremely detrimental impact on the borough.
"I understand where the mayor and the governing body are coming from, but I don’t agree with the decision they’re making," he said, stating his belief that public safety should be the borough’s No. 1 priority.
The layoffs, which will reduce the ranks of the Police Department from 25 officers to 20, actually translate to a 33 percent reduction of the department, because of the demands of filling shifts.
Chief Petrovic stated that as a result of the reduction, the department will cut in half the number of patrols it has on duty at any one time. If the proposed cuts are approved, the department will go from operating four patrols during every three eight-hour shift, to two patrols, effective March 31.
"I’m going to have problems filling shifts," the chief said, noting the loss of five officers will put a greater strain on the borough’s other officers who will have to work extra hours to make up for officers during sick days, thereby resulting in greater than normal overtime expenses.
"I’m really disappointed in the governor," he added. "He knows what Manville and Bound Brook went through and he’s choosing to turn a cold shoulder to both of these towns."
Whether or not the department’s police union plans to oppose the layoffs is unknown.
"It’s a little too early to tell," said the chief. "I think they’re just sitting back to see what’s reality and what’s not, but I’m sure they’re going to have something to say in the near future."
The Borough Council will vote on the mayor’s proposed budget cuts at Monday’s Borough Council meeting.