Reshuffling Of Wayne Police Ranks Approved

WAYNE, N.J. — There will be a slight reshuffling of ranks in the Wayne Police Department.

The Township Council approved a new organizational structure within the department Wednesday. A maximum of four captains, up from three, and 17 sergeants, down from 18, will now be allowed.

The additional captain will be assigned to head up the Internal Affairs Division and a lieutenant will be assigned to the Investigative Unit, including the Detective Bureau, replacing a sergeant.

"We believe that this is a more efficient use of supervisory manpower in the Police Department," said Mayor Chris Vergano.

At least two council representatives, Jonathan Ettman and L. Aileen Rivera, received anonymous letters in a Wayne PBA Local 136-marked envelope. The letter's author expressed concerns about the move, mentioned "failure to supervise" claims within the department and called township attorney Matthew Giacobbe's credibility into question.

Giacobbe said the letter "isn't worth the paper it is written on."

The council approved the reorganization 7-0. Council President Lonni Miller Ryan abstained from voting.

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