UPPER FREEHOLD: Town seeks swap of equipment

Our tranquilizer guns for your metal detector

By Jane Meggitt, Special Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD — It’s not just individuals who might use a barter system — municipalities can do so, too.
While the township’s municipal court currently does not have a metal detector, that might change in the near future. At the Sept. 4 Township Committee meeting, township Administrator Dianne Kelly said that municipal court officials want a metal detector, but such an item is "not insignificant" in price.
Ms. Kelly reported that Springfield Township, Burlington County, has a walk-through metal detector it is no longer using since merging its court system with Mansfield Township. Since the death of longtime animal control officer Mary Klink in 2009, Upper Freehold has contracted out its animal control service with Jackson Township. Upper Freehold has animal control tranquilizer guns it is no longer using which the township tried to sell a few years ago via an online surplus auction, according to Ms. Kelly. However, she said it turns out that the tranquilizer guns had to be sold through a licensed gun dealer.
Recently, Springfield sent an officer to Upper Freehold for an animal control training session. Ms. Kelly said that, after discussion, an exchange of the tranquilizer guns for the metal detector might be arranged. The metal detector is close to the end of its normal operational life, but the township might get a few years use out of it, she said, adding that parts might become unavailable.
A new model of the unit retails for approximately $4,500, according to Committeeman Steve Alexander, who checked the pricing online during the meeting.
Currently, court security officers use metal detector wands on those entering the building when court is in session, Ms. Kelly said. When not in use, the metal detector unit stores easily and only requires plugging in to become activated, she said.
While the metal detector unit is not particularly large and could be picked up and delivered by the township’s Department of Public Works, transporting the tranquilizer guns requires special precautions. Township Attorney Dennis Collins suggested contacting the Springfield Township Police Department and having an officer pick up those items.