Sheriff, County Agree to Help Each Other With Morris Jail's Operations

Nearly a month after the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted to strip the Sheriff’s Department of control from the county jail, both sides have come to an agreement that will both parties are working toward making the facility the best it can be.

At a Wednesday meeting in Netcong, the Freeholders and Sheriff Edward Rochford came to terms on a Memorandum of Understanding that will guide both sides before a contract is reached next week.

Under terms of the contract, the sheriff will supervise and guide the newly-appointed warden, advising him on policy, procedure, and personnel matters in the day-to-day operations at the county jail. As for the Freeholders, they will control finance, labor negotiations, and personnel matters, according to county administrator John Bonanni.

“We are pleased that Sheriff Rochford has agreed to work with the freeholders and will continue to be involved in running the jail, which has long had a positive record of accomplishment and professionalism,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo in a statement.

The full takeover is scheduled for Sept. 1. The county has already created a team of current and former officials inside and outside the Sheriff’s Department to assist with the implementation of best practices. 

“While the Freeholders and I have had differences on this matter, and I still have reservations about the agreement I will work collaboratively with the Freeholders not only for the benefit of the dedicated correction officers and staff, but also for the benefit of the residents of Morris County,” said Rochford in a statement.

The Freeholders’ initial move to separate the Sheriff from overseeing jail duties was in part because of climbing overtime rates and large officer turnover year over year, as inmate count at the correctional facility declined.