Top Cop Placed On Leave In Union County

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Springfield's Township Police Chief John Cook has been placed on administrative leave over undisclosed allegations.

The Springfield Township Committee held a special meeting on Friday where they approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and service of disciplinary charges against the township's police chief and the placement of the police chief on administrative leave.

"The Committee did not reach the decision to administratively charge our police chief lightly. It considered whether the matter could be resolved without formal charges and regrets that it concluded there was no responsible alternative to bringing them," according to a statement issued by the Committee.

The Committee stated that it believes the issues should move through the legal process because that allows Cook to respond and allows for what it described as a fair determination based on the record.

The committee also said it has not made a final disciplinary decision.

"Allegations are not findings of misconduct, and the Chief is entitled to a fair opportunity to respond to any charges properly brought," the statement says.

The committee framed the matter as one that must proceed under existing legal and procedural rules.

"Any disciplinary action must follow applicable law and established procedures," the statement says.

It added that because personnel matters and internal affairs information are confidential, it cannot publicly discuss the merits of specific allegations at this time.

The committee said only that it will release more information when disclosure is either authorized or required by law.

Captain John Rachel was designated by the Township Committee to serve as officer in charge of the police department.

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