Statement: Council Responds to Auxiliary Police Issue

In response to the apparent rift between the Livingston Police Department and the officers in the Livingston Auxiliary Police Association, which was reported in the June 3 edition of the West Essex Tribune, Mayor Arlene Johnson read a statment addressing the issue at Monday's meeting.

According to the published report, members of the Auxiliary insist that Police Chief Craig Handschuch required Auxiliary Police officers to resign from the Livingston Police Association Inc. by May 31 in order to continue to serve as volunteers in the Auxiliary Police; members were then supposed to submit a letter to the township manager and Police Chief stating why he/she should be a Livingston Auxiliary police officer.

Below is the text of the statment that Mayor Johnson read and submitted to the media.

"In the midst of the current controversy surrounding the Auxiliary Police, we want to say that we are extremely grateful to all who have served in the Livingston Auxiliary Police and to all the volunteers who have contributed to the model of dedicated community service exemplified by this group of volunteers.

It is impossible to fully measure the value these men and women have contributed during traffic and weather emergencies and whenever called upon for special events or in the day-to-day operations of our township. Without regard to their personal comfort or convenience, they have demonstrated their dedication time and time again. They are and have been a critical elements of public safety in Livingston, and nothing should be allowed to besmirch or overshadow that long and distinguished record of service to Livingston.

It should also be said that, since they perform police duties, the Auxiliary Police must be fully accountable to—and only to—the Chief of Police. The Auxiliary Police drive fully equipped police cars, wear police uniforms, perform police functions, and carry guns. They must therefore in all matters—including promotions and assignments—operate within a clear and consistent chain of command. This is required by the regulations of the State Police and the regulations of the Office of Emergency Management—as well as by common sense.

The issue is about chain of command, abiding by well-established regulations concerning public safety, ans assuring proper use of funds solicited from the public.

We hope this matter can be resolved soon, and we fully support the Chief of Police and Township Manager in acting to resolve outstanding issues.  It does not do justice to the history and contribution of the Auxiliary Police force to have its name entangled in an extended controversy of this nature."

Arlene A. Johnson, Mayor

Rudy Fernandez, Deputy Mayor

Buddy August, Councilman

Steve Santola, Councilman

Gary Schneiderman, Councilman