Mahwah Council Tables Ordinance Creating Police Director Position

MAHWAH, NJ — The Township Council tabled an ordinance Thursday that, if approved, would have created the new position of police director.

The ordinance was introduced July 27. It states that Batelli would report to the director, but does not lay out the position-holder's responsibilities nor what his or her salary would be.

Batelli previously said he disagrees with, and was surprised by, the creation of such a position. He said creating the position would, effectively, strip him of all responsibilities except for those required by state law.

RELATED: Mahwah Council Proposes Creating Position Of Police Director

Batelli said he sincerely appreciates the support several people expressed to him at the meeting Thursday.

"I look forward to continuing to provide a professional level of law enforcement services to our community and working with our governing body to accomplish this goal," Batelli said.

Batelli, a township resident, joined the police force in 1978. He moved up the ranks, making captain in 1992 and was named chief 10 years later.

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