Wyckoff Mayor 'Confident' Department 'Never Engaged' In Racial Profiling

Editor's note: The following is a statement from Mayor Kevin J. Rooney on the memorandum of understanding and he and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

WCKOFF, N.J. - "Representing the town of Wyckoff and its governing body, I met with the Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal, and members of his office. Together, we executed a memorandum of understanding, which will allow the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Township of Wyckoff to work in conjunction to oversee the operations and procedures of the Wyckoff Police Department.

This joint memorandum was the result of numerous discussions between the County Prosecutor and myself — and was done in the interest of allowing the police department to function to its fullest capabilities, while ensuring the best interests of all Wyckoff residents and those of the surrounding communities.

We have achieved this through the appointment of an Acting Officer in Charge Lt. Charles VanDyk, from the Wyckoff Police Department – who will work in conjunction with a temporarily appointed Monitor, Capt. Timothy Condon from the prosecutor’s office.

Related: Wyckoff Police Chief Steps Down Amid Racial Profiling Investigation

This agreement was the result of the Township and Police Department fully cooperating and acting in a completely transparent manner with the prosecutor’s office during the past week. While I am confident that our police department has never engaged in or condoned any sort of profiling, it also is important to reinforce and ensure the public trust.

The mission of the Wyckoff Police Department continues to be the protection of and service to our citizens, their families and local businesses, and those who visit our community. I have no doubt that our police officers will continue to operate with the utmost respect for all those whom they have sworn to protect.

I look forward to continuing to work with Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal and thank him and his office for their continued cooperation."

Wyckoff Mayor Kevin J. Rooney/Patch File Photo