Hillsborough committee approves new police hires and swears in officers

The Hillsborough Township Committee approved a resolution authorizing the hiring of new police officers and held a swearing-in ceremony for multiple recruits during its Dec. 10 meeting.

The motion to approve the hiring resolution passed by roll call vote. Following the vote, Mayor-led remarks introduced the new officers; the meeting featured the ceremonial oath for recruits including Omar Basouf, Brandon Bachwin, Justin McHale and Travis Warnock. Captain McCarthy welcomed the new officers and described the department as 'a growing department' that brings 'a lot of experience' and will rely on teamwork and backing from more senior officers.

Why it matters: committee members said the hires bolster public-safety capacity at a time when the township is also investing in road and infrastructure work. Committee members offered congratulations from the dais and the community joined the reception for the new officers.

What officials said: Captain McCarthy told the committee the recruits were selected after a lengthy process and will be assets to the department. In response to the oath and welcome, the mayor said the town must be safe to be a town and praised the officers for joining 'the highest performing team' he has seen.

Next steps: the officers were sworn in and introduced to the public; personnel onboarding and field assignments will proceed through the police department’s internal process.

The hiring motion appears on the official minutes and was approved by a unanimous roll-call vote at the Dec. 10 meeting.