Wyckoff Police Department Seeking Accrediation

WYCKOFF, N.J. — Officials are seeking accreditation and implementing a model for the police department that increases efficiency and "improves the delivery of services" to residents while Chief Benjamin C. Fox is on paid suspension.

The Township Committee voted unanimously to suspend Fox with pay while the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and detectives from the state Attorney General's Office investigate racial profiling allegations within the department.

"As mayor, I felt it was necessary to take this step in order to allow for the investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and their appointed monitor to continue without any chance for interruption," Rooney said in a prepared statement Tuesday night.

Related: Wyckoff Committee Formally Suspends Police Chief Amid Racial Profiling Investigation

The township has contracted with the Rodgers Group to get the department accredited.

"By moving toward this accreditation, the Township of Wyckoff and the Wyckoff Police Department are implementing a model that increases operational efficiency and improves the delivery of services, all while reducing risk and lowering costs to our residents," Rooney said in the statement.

Fox was placed on administrative leave March 22 after the American Civil Liberties Union published an email from Fox in which he said that racial profiling "when properly used" has its place in law enforcement.

Related: Wyckoff Chief Defends Racial Profiling Email

Fox said in another email to township officials that he was not “endorsing racial profiling for the wrong reasons.”

Capt. Timothy Condon of the prosecutor's office is monitoring the department and Lt. Charles VanDyk is the officer in charge in Fox's absence.

Rooney said the department's structure remains "unchanged."

"I look forward to reviewing the findings of the investigation and expect nothing short of the full cooperation we have had to date with the County Prosecutor and his staff," Rooney said. "I have no doubt that our police officers will continue to operate with the utmost respect for everyone in our community."

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