Atlantic County Prosecutor Appoints Monitor for Egg Harbor City Police Department

Saying his action was not intended as a “takeover of the police department,” Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain has appointed a detective lieutenant to serve as an observer and a monitor of the Egg Harbor City Police Department’s operation through the end of the year.

A letter announcing this decision, dated May 21, was released on Tuesday. The effective date was June 1.

Egg Harbor City Police Chief John McColgan welcomes the monitor, according to the letter. McClain stated the reason for the monitor is not to express any lack of faith in the police chief.

Egg Harbor City Mayor Lisa Jiampetti told The Press of Atlantic City the appointment was a response to requests to assist the City help improve morale in the police department.

No officers have been put on any type of leave, according to the report.

Morale has been down since Officer Steven Hadley pleaded guilty to exploiting his position as a police officer in order to engage in sexual conduct with several women.

McClain said McClogan and selected officers from the Egg Harbor City Police Department will help the monitor audit the police department’s evidence room; conduct a manpower study and evaluate manpower deployment; survey policies and procedures; and evaluate the police department’s command structure.

A report will be issued at the conclusion of the monitoring session.