Roseland adopts police-department reorganization; residents press for timeline to restore chief and captain

The Borough of Roseland governing body on Feb. 11 adopted Ordinance 1-22, a reorganization of the Police Department that reduces lieutenant positions from three to two and adds a sergeant and an additional detective while leaving total sworn staffing unchanged.

The ordinance, read by Mr Watkins and adopted by roll-call vote, drew pointed public comment about department leadership. "We've been five years without a police chief, three years without a captain, we're down to two lieutenants," said resident Janet Treon during the public hearing, pressing the council for a timeline to restore a traditional chief-and-captain hierarchy.

Council members explained the ordinance is intended to reorganize ranks and provide capacity for a traffic bureau and investigative work; they stressed the change is not a reduction in the total number of officers. Officials declined to give a firm timetable for appointing a police chief and captain, saying they will fill those leadership posts only when the borough and department leadership believe candidates are prepared.

Mayor Spango sought to clarify his remarks after public comment, saying, "I did not say the police department was doing a bad job," and adding that his concern is the "lack of leadership" at the top of the department rather than the performance of current officers.

Some residents expressed frustration at the lack of a clear timeline. Other residents, including longtime Roseland resident Nick Bomo, praised current sergeants and lieutenants and said they had confidence in the department's responsiveness.

The ordinance passed on roll-call vote and will be advertised as a passed ordinance and take effect as provided by law. The council did not attach a specific deadline to appoint a police chief or captains; officials said they remain committed to restoring those ranks when the department is ready.