New Summit Police Chief Sworn In, Alludes To Trust Of Police

SUMMIT, NJ — New Summit Police Chief Andrew Bartolotti was sworn in on Monday, and alluded to issues of police integrity and public trust after the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

In a letter to officers, he also referred to the coronavirus pandemic, saying he never thought most of his interviews would be conducted virtually.

Bartolotti replaced retiring chief Robert Weck, who had been with the department 31 years. Batolotti has been with the department for two decades.

Mayor Nora Radest also issued a statement about Bartolotti's swearing in.

Bartolotti said in his statement, "This morning I stood with my family and before Mayor Radest, and pledged to serve the citizens of Summit with integrity, honor, and compassion as your chief of police. Throughout my 20 years as a law enforcement officer in the Summit Police Department, I have been perpetually reminded of how fortunate I am to serve in this outstanding community."

He added:

<blockquote>Taking an oath to serve in a community as a police officer requires that our character safeguard and honor the trust and confidence you place in our hands. Unspeakable tragedies can unfold when the public trust is breeched by the misconduct of individuals undeserving of the badge they wear. I pledge to you, as your new chief, that I will work every day to earn your trust and be worthy of the office I now hold.

The men and women of the Summit Police Department understand that the respect and trust you show us is not merely given because of the badge we wear but is earned by how we conduct ourselves while wearing it. As a department, we are committed to protecting each citizen equally with the respect and dignity that all human beings deserve. I vow that all of my officers will be held to this standard and continuously trained to ensure the highest level of professionalism in conducting our duty.

I value the strong relationships I am building with community leaders and remain committed to continuing these conversations to ensure everyone feels safe, secure, and heard. I will maintain an open, accountable and accessible police department for the benefit of all. </blockquote>

Mayor Nora Radest said Monday, "This morning I had the distinct honor of swearing in Captain Andrew J. Bartolotti as the new Chief of Police and Lieutenant Richard Proctor as a Captain in the Summit Police Department. I am confident that both men will be exemplary in their roles."

She added, "I want to affirm the deep responsibility we accept to ensure that our system extends equal protection to every Summit citizen regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, and I reiterate our undeviating commitment to preserving human dignity and combatting racism and bias. Our police officers have a sworn duty to uphold the law and protect lives, and a responsibility for continued learning, growth, and improvement as people and as law enforcement officials.

"I am proud of the strength of the connection between our police department and our community. I know that Chief Bartolotti is committed to continuing that excellent relationship. Your elected officials are available, now and always, to hear and address your thoughts about our police force and its role in our community."

The new chief also sent a letter to officers saying, "As we embark on this new chapter in our department’s history together, we find ourselves in a time of unprecedented change. In its simplest form, change is defined as to make or become different, yet 11 weeks ago who could have foreseen how different our lives would become and the number of changes that now lie ahead for us."

He added, "I never imagined I would be managing our agency’s response during a global pandemic as officer in charge or engaging in a series of virtual interviews for the position of Chief of Police. While many things were unexpected, the remarkable commitment and resolve shown by each and every one of you during this crisis was not ... As your chief, I pledge to serve each of you with the respect and dignity that I expect you to show to everyone we serve, work with, and encounter every day. I assure you that the administration will remain grounded in defending the integrity, honesty and just actions of our officers. Good work will be recognized and your welfare, and that of your families, will remain a high priority."

He noted, "Willful incompetence will not be tolerated, and honest mistakes will be dealt with differently than misconduct."

"My pledge to the command staff and supervisory officers is to commit myself to empowering you and providing opportunities for you to enhance your potential as leaders. I believe in the principles of delegation and accountability, and I recognize that responsibility must be accompanied by sufficient authority to accomplish the mission.

"In return, I expect your focus and commitment to our mission, to those whom you are responsible for, and to the safety and security of this community. I expect that you will honor your oath in service and to the rank that you hold by being responsible for the performance of your personnel and developing them to succeed and become future leaders of this organization ...

"The oath of a police officer requires that their character safeguard and honor the trust that the public has placed in our hands. I not only expect you to honor that oath and that trust, I expect you to prevent it from being tarnished by others. Our department is committed to pride and excellence by treating citizens, and each other, with courtesy, professionalism, impartiality and respect."

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