TOMS RIVER -- The Toms River PBA has accused Mayor Daniel Rodrick of making false claims about police department staffing, which the organization notes has fallen to the lowest level in 21 years.
The unusual statement issued June 7 by Toms River PBA Local 137 came in response to a letter sent by the mayor to township residents, in which Rodrick said he had increased the number of police on the road by 20%, "and we're in the process of hiring even more officers."
PBA President Kenneth Thomas took issue with the mayor's statements about police staffing, writing "this claim of a 20% increase in 'cops on the road' is completely false." As of June 6, Thomas said, Toms River's overall police workforce is 151 officers, down from 163 in January 2024. Thomas said that pending retirements are expected to drop the roster to 146 officers by September.
Among those likely to retire is Acting Chief Peter Sundack, who is out on medical leave and is not expected to return, according to sources. Capt. Guy Marie is officer in charge of the department in Sundack's absence.
The mayor argues that a change in working hours from three, 11-hour shifts to 4, 10-hour shits a week for officers has actually placed more police on township streets every day.
"There have never been more cops on the road than there are right now," Rodrick said. He said there are 27 patrol officers scheduled to be on the road...
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