Council Passes Police Restructuring Ordinance

The Washington Township council collectively agreed to pass an ordinance this week that will modify the table of organization of the police department.

The ordinance, which was unanimously passed at the Monday night council meeting, eliminates several higher positions in the department, but maintains the rank of captain.

The ordinance, introduced last month, was altered from its original version after Mayor Janet Sobkowicz and Lt. Richard Skinner asked that the council consider keeping the rank of captain in the department.

Under the ordinance, the police department will consist of a rank structure still lead by the chief of police, followed by one captain, no more than three lieutenants, no more than six sergeants, and between nine and 12 patrolmen and corporals.

In May, Chief of Police Randy Ciocco, Capt. Glen Hopper and Lt. Skinner went before the governing body to express their need to maintain the position of captain in the Washington Township Police Department.

“It’s very important when the boss is away, everybody else knows who it is that’s in charge,” said Ciocco.

The council unanimously agreed on Monday to submit the ordinance to Sobkowicz for her approval, and to thereafter be published according to law.