Westfield Mayor Seeks Guidance In Hiring New Police Chief

WESTFIELD, NJ — Following Westfield Police Chief David Wayman's abrupt retirement, Mayor Shelley Brindle said she is seeking guidance from other law enforcement officials to hire a replacement.

Brindle met with Summit Police Chief Robert Weck and Springfield Police Chief John Cook, who is also the Chairman of the Union County Police Chief's Association, to discuss the search for a permanent chief. She also asked for input and guidance regarding the best practices, Brindle said during the Sept. 4 council meeting.

She will also be meeting with the chief's association in the coming weeks and said she will share more with the public afterwards.

"The new chief will be someone with unquestionable character and integrity that will be capable of leading the department through a cultural transformation with an emphasis on community policing," Brindle said.

Wayman's retirement was made effective immediately on Aug. 1 following consultation with the Union County Prosecutor's office and the Town's labor counsel, Brindle said in an earlier release.

• See Related: Westfield Police Chief Retires, Effective Immediately

"The Prosecutor's Office cannot confirm details about, or the existence of, investigations of this nature," Mark Spivey, spokesman with the UCPO told Patch.

Wayman had served as chief of police for Westfield since April 2012.

Although the town or prosecutor's office has not said anything regarding why Wayman had to retire, two controversial incidents involving the police department happened in the months leading to the chief's departure, according to a report. (See related: Westfield Police Chief Quit After 2 Controversial Incidents: Rpt.)

(Image via Town of Westfield, NJ Police Department)

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