Wyckoff Police Chief Remains On Paid Leave

WYCKOFF, N.J. - Police Chief Benjamin C. Fox remains on paid administrative leave for the "foreseeable future" while officials investigate allegations of racial profiling by Fox and the police department.

In a statement Tuesday, Rooney said Fox's status "will remain unchanged" for "an undetermined period."

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal and Acting Attorney General Robert Lougy's office are investigating an email Fox sent in 2014 encouraging racial profiling.

The American Civil Liberties Union distributed a copy of the e-mail last week. The ACLU said it received a copy of the e-mail from an anonymous source.

In the e-mail, which was reportedly sent to every officer, Fox said that "profiling, racial or otherwise, has it's (sic) place in law enforcement when used correctly and applied fairly."

The ACLU wants Fox fired.

Related: Wyckoff Police Chief Steps Down Amid Racial Profiling Investigation

Fox asked to go on immediate administrative leave March 22 at an emergency Township Committee meeting Tuesday night.

Grewal and Mayor Kevin J. Rooney appointed an officer from the prosecutor's office to monitor the department. Capt. Timothy Condon will oversee the department's daily operations and ensure the officers do not engage in racial profiling.

Lt. Charles VanDyke is the acting officer in charge of the department. He briefs Condon daily.

Related: Prosecutor Appoints Officers To Monitor And Run Wyckoff Police Department

Rooney said that the department and township continue to be "fully transparent" and "cooperative" with the investigation.

"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," Rooney said in a statement Tuesday. "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."