PBA: County Responsibility of Police Department Should Be Temporary

In a statement released today, Springfield P.B.A. Local #76, the union for Springfield's police, said they believe there are officers on the force capable of running the department, and that the Prosecutor's Office time being responsible for the department should be temporary. 

The P.B.A. statement said that representatives of the Prosecutor's office has assured them they will help Springfield's police officers restructure the department by promoting from within.

In the statement, the P.B.A. accuses the Township Committee of failing to the assistance necessary to reform the department. Specifically, they take issue with Springfield's government, accusing officials of failing to hire and promote police officers.

"We were assured with the retirement of our previous Chief, there would be actions taken by the governing body to promote, restructure and properly staff the department," P.B.A. president James Morton said in the statement. "We are currently short five officers and no hires, changes or promotional opportunities been discussed with our members."

The P.B.A. also wants to assure Springfield residents they are working hard to uphold the law and public safety.

"[W]e are unwavering in our commitment and will be working with
the Union County Prosecutor's Office to continue the progress we've
started and quickly prove we are capable of everything expected of us," Morton said.