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“We recognize that the township has lost officers due to retirements and as a result we will be promoting six new Sergeants in two weeks,” spokesman Philip Swibinski said in response to an inquiry from CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
“The department is further reviewing the rest of the ranks to determine what vacancies will be filled,” he added.
A group of North Bergen superior police officers two weeks ago formally called on township officials to lift what they believe is a ban on promotions.
“The membership is deeply concerned not only because of the possibility of promotion for many of its members, but because the lack of fully staffed supervisory positions imposes a greater burden on all SOA members and adversely affects the operations of the department,” attorney Donald B. Ross Jr. wrote to Township Attorney Herbert Klitzner, a copy of which was obtained by CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
According to the North Bergen Superior Officers Association PBA Local 18A, long-term vacant positions include those of deputy chief (there aren’t any), a captain, a lieutenant and five sergeants.
Those awaiting promotion include Sgt. Arthur Del, who ranks No. 1 on the lieutenants’ list. If promoted, Del would become the department’s highest-ranking minority.
“My client has been unable to obtain reliable information from anyone about the Township’s intentions,” Ross wrote to Klitzner.
The answer came today, following a request by CLIFFVIEW PILOT. There was no definitive word on Del other than the pledge to review positions and consider future promotions.
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