Swearing In Of New Chief Opens Another Chapter For Wyckoff Police Department

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Lt. David V. Murphy was promoted to police chief Tuesday, a move that signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the township police department months after the former chief stepped down amidst a racial profiling investigation.

Flanked by his wife, Lynn, and their three children — Julia, Daniel, and Matthew — Murphy, 42, took the oath of office administered by Mayor Kevin Rooney.

"Some may have chosen to look at that as a negative, but we as a department bonded together, and with the support of all our officers and township officials, we made positive strides and remained professionals during that process," Murphy told the standing-room only crowd. "I'm extremely proud."

Murphy's annual salary will be $164,692.

Rooney said that he has known Murphy for years and praised his guidance and leadership of the department since former chief Benjamin Fox stepped down in March.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey published a 2014 email that was anonymously sent to the organization. Fox said in the email, which was sent to the entire department, that "profiling, racial or otherwise, has it's [sic] place in law enforcement when used correctly and applied fairly."

The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said in August that the email violated a 2005 state attorney general's directive prohibiting racial profiling. The Township Committee voted to suspend Fox for 180 days and demoted him to patrolman immediately after the results of the investigation were made public.

A monitor from the Prosecutor's Office supervised the department after the ACLU published the email.

Lt. Charles VanDyk was named the officer in charge during the six-month investigation. Murphy was named acting chief last month.

In that time, officers underwent mandatory training in cultural awareness, internal affairs, discrimination and liability compliance, and use of force.

Murphy said the entire ordeal made the department stronger.

The township authorized the use of Tasers as a new non-lethal response, officials previously said.

The department has also begun the process of becoming accredited, Murphy said.

Rooney said the decision to promote Murphy to chief "was an easy one."

"Over the last six months, you and Charlie have shown truly what it means to serve," Rooney said. "You're a tribute to what this department is all about."

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Photo: David V. Murphy recites the oath of office administered by Mayor Kevin Rooney as his wife Lynn holds the Bible. By Daniel Hubbard