4th Female, 40th New Police Officer Hired To Serve Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township recently sworn in its 40th new police officer and fourth female officer.

Mackenzie Weber was sworn in as the newest officer last week. Weber comes to Bernards Township Police Department from Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. She graduated from Passaic County’s Modified Basic Course for Police Officers, which transitioned her from corrections officer to police officer, according to the Bernards Township PBA.

"She is the 40th police officer and also the 4th female police officer and that’s a wonderful opportunity to continue to compliment our community and the representation of women," said Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy at the June 25 Committee meeting. "We are thrilled to have her and it just continues to show that we can attract great talent to our community."

Weber's hiring follows the Township Committee's approval of an ordinance in May to increase the number of patrol officers from 21 to 23. Read More: More Officers Added To Bernards Township Police Force

The decision to increase the number of officers was part of Bernards Township's continued focus on public safety due to the recent spike in crime.

"Forty has a magic ring to it. We haven't had… 40 officers before in this town and as we've grown this Committee has recognized the need to expand the size of our police force and make other investments in our police force in order to keep our town safe," said Committeeman Andrew McNally.

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