The Hoboken City Council voted to expand the police department’s table of organization, giving them the option to add 14 new officers for a new Community Policing Bureau, at last night’s marathon meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This is a step in the right direction toward launching our Community Policing Bureau, which will strengthen the relationship between our officers and the residents they serve and protect,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“I want to thank the City Council for recognizing the importance of this initiative, and for supporting the future hiring of these additional officers to help ensure Hoboken remains a safe and welcoming place for all.”
The ordinance expanding the department paves the way for two captains, two lieutenants, two sergeants, and eight police officers to a total of 170 individuals within the department’s ranks.
The second reading of the ordinance passed 6-2, with 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher voting no.
They cited budgetary concerns as the governing body has still not approved a spending plan for this year and a big tax hike possible for next year.
Mayoral candidate Dini Ajmani also recommended that the city utilize the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office more, a point that she made on the June 18th episode of HCV Live & Uncut.
“The 14 new positions, on top of the 10 officers we added to the T-O last year, puts us on track for a partial rollout of the Community Policing Bureau within a year, and a full deployment by early 2027,” added Public Safety Director Ferrante.
“Our next challenge is finding qualified and dedicated candidates to join our team. I know Hoboken will continue to attract the type of people who care about the City and want to help make it even safer for everyone who lives here.”
The Community Policing Bureau, which Bhalla first mentioned at the State of the City in March, will be comprised of specially trained officers dedicated to enhancing public safety and improving quality of life through increased presence and neighborhood engagement.
Once fully operational, officers will be in neighborhoods on foot and bicycle patrols throughout the city.
“We’ve heard the public loud and clear. The creation of this Community Policing Bureau, and the expansion of our officer and command staff, is a direct response to the concerns we’ve heard from our community,” noted Police Chief Steven Aguiar.
“This program will allow us to be more present, more engaging, and more proactive when it comes to public safety and quality of life.”
This is going to add MAJOR costs to the city especially the upper level expansion with little impact on crime. Not good.