Politics & Government

Freeholder Explains Why He Abstained on County Police Vote

Effort to disband Bergen County Police Department failed with a 3-2 vote.

Bergen County Freeholder John Driscoll released a statement Friday explaining why he opted to abstain from a hotly-debated vote on folding the county police department into the sheriff's office. 

The freeholders on Wednesday voted 3-2 to reject an ordinance that would have eliminated the 89-member county police department. Freeholder Joan Voss also abstained. 

 

Find out what's happening in Teaneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Driscoll's full statement is below: 

“I want to take this opportunity to give my reason for my abstention vote on the County Police ordinance.  I have sat and watched as this ever import issue was batted around over the last few months.  Since July I have been calling for the three leaders of law enforcement in Bergen County to come together on this issue.  I believe that there are cost savings that can be found in our law enforcement community.  That said it will only be found with the combined efforts of the law enforcement leaders, the Freeholder Board and the County Executive working together.  The proposed ordinance did not accomplish that in my opinion.  I cast my abstention as a signal that while the proposed ordinance was not the right course of action, the idea of finding savings should still be sought.    I again call for all of us to come together at the table to work for the taxpayers of Bergen and find true cost savings while at the same time continuing to deliver the high quality public safety that our residents expect and deserve and which none of our elected officials would ever compromise.”

Find out what's happening in Teaneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Related Stories: 

  • Freeholders Vote to Dissolve Bergen County Police
  • Donovan Sues Freeholders to Stop County Police Merger
  • Bergen Residents Want Details on County Police Merger
  • Two Freeholders Plan ‘Listening Tour’ on County Police Merger
  • The Fight Over The Future Of A $22 Million Police Department


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here