Chester Twp, Borough Combine Police Forces: Report

CHESTER, NJ— Chester Township and Borough will combine their police forces, effective Jan 1., the Daily Record reported.

All six members of the Borough police department will be absorbed into the Township.

"Our chief had resigned in August, and we had another officer resign," Borough Mayor Janet Hoven told the Daily Record. "So we were down two police officers (to six total), which is one of the things that made this agreement with the township work so well, because the township was able to hire all six of our officers. So in this contract for service that we have with the township, no one lost their job."

The move is unprecedented, although not surprising. Many towns in Morris County already share other municipal services, including courts and schools, but usually keep their own police departments. Borough had already contracted Township police for overnight patrols.

The merger will save Borough $200,000 annually.

You can read the full report at the Daily Record.

Image via Shutterstock