Lt. Mark Emann to replace Capt. Peter Savalli.
By: Rachel Silverman
The Princeton Township Committee will officially induct Lt. Mark Emann, a 26-year veteran of the force, into his new role as township police captain Monday.
Lt. Emann replaces Capt. Peter Savalli, who retired last month after 33 years of service.
The committee will also announce Sgt. Michael Henderson’s promotion to lieutenant, and current Detective Scott Porreca’s promotion to sergeant, in addition to two new departmental hires Patrol Officers Christopher Best and Matthew Solovay.
Lt. Emann, a lieutenant since 1995, has worked as a patrolman, traffic officer and sergeant in the department. A Princeton High School graduate, he has police work in his genes. His father, Walter Emann, was also on the force.
"I think Mark will be a wonderful captain," Mayor Phyllis Marchand said. "He will uphold the fine reputation of our superior officers."
The hiring process for all positions was highly competitive and included "an extensive promotion process, assessment center and personal interviews," according to Township Committeeman Bill Enslin.
"We had certain duties which required certain skills and experience," Mr. Enslin said. "We looked for candidates closest to meeting those skills, experience and capabilities."
In addition to announcing these new posts, Township Committee members will also vote Monday on whether to commission an evaluation study of the police department. The report, which would cost $98,000 and take about four to five months to complete, would analyze the department through surveys, research and interviews with every member of the force.
"It will go through us with a fine-toothed comb," soon-to-be Capt. Emann said.
According to Mr. Enslin, the office reshuffling and new hires present an opportune time for self-analysis.
"It’s a good time to take a step back and look at how we’re doing things," he said.
Lt. Emann agreed, citing his confidence in Carroll Buracker and Associates, the consultant group slated to execute the study.
"I’m confident it will show us where we can be more efficient," Lt. Emann said.
Also up for vote Monday evening is whether to commission a separate study of a joint dispatch service between the borough and township policing units. Such a merger could present "not only the possibility for savings, but also more effective function," Mr. Enslin noted.
"But there are differences in technology and ways of operating we’re going to have to take into account," he cautioned.
Both studies which represent the first departmental evaluation reports in the past 11 years are aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the township police department. "It’s about having a very fine police force do even better," Mr. Enslin said.