Police study could broaden in scope

Borough court system may be eyed

By Vic Monaco, Managing Editor
   A consultant firm studying the feasibility of East Windsor taking over police coverage in Hightstown may broaden its scope to do a similar review related to the borough’s court system.
   The Borough Council on Monday is expected to discuss amending its agreement with Patriot Consulting Group in order to seek an additional $10,000 from the state for the court services study, according to Borough Councilman Walter Sikorksi. The Monmouth Beach firm is already being paid $40,583 through a state grant awarded in the summer.
   East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov explained late Thursday afternoon that new state money, if approved, would be used to “broaden the scope of the agreement … to include the feasibility and financial impact of East Windsor providing joint or shared municipal court services.” She said the two-town police consolidation committee feels that is important because “the court affects the use and scheduling of police personnel in a significant manner.”
   Councilman Sikorski stressed Thursday afternoon, “There will be nothing from the local taxpayers of Hightstown or East Windsor. If we don’t get the money, they (Patriot) won’t do that.”
   The two towns have been discussing police consolidation since 2006 as a means to address about $1.6 million in annual police-related costs in the borough.
   The police study began in early August and is expected to take 110 days, which would set a mid-November target date. It was unclear at press time how much effect broadening its scope would have on that timetable, but Mayor Mironov said it will not impact the ongoing work of Patriot.
   Brian Valentino of Patriot said Thursday that he could not comment at this time, as the study is ongoing.