Berkeley Heights Council Advances Police Staffing Restructure; Also Weighs Municipal Building, Library and Sherman Avenue Concerns
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
The Berkeley Heights Township Council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading Tuesday night that would authorize six new police positions: one deputy chief, one lieutenant, and four patrol officers. The measure moves to a public hearing on August 11.
Ordinance 2026-19 does not fund or immediately fill the positions. Police Chief Frank Mea said the authorization reflects a five-year staffing plan developed after the department received reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Mea told the council that Berkeley Heights currently has 28 officers—a level unchanged for decades despite population growth, increased commuter traffic, and the Connell corporate campus.
If all six positions were eventually funded, the department's total staffing would grow from 28 to 34. Any future hiring would still require a separate budget request and a mayoral executive order.
Union County Life reported several residents and former council members questioned the ordinance during public comment. Former Councilwoman Jeanne Kingsley, who served 12 years, asked the council to provide objective data before advancing the measure. "I'm not saying it's right or wrong," Kingsley said. "Give us the details. Give us the support." She cited call volume, response times, population trends, and long-term cost projections as standard measures that should accompany staffing requests.
Former Mayor Bob Woodruff urged caution as well, recommending the council delay authorization until concrete data emerged—such as overtime trends or call-type breakdowns—rather than approve positions years in advance.
Resident Joe Iadanza raised the Connell corporate site redevelopment, which could bring a 50 percent population increase to the township. He asked whether the township could require the developer to fund police infrastructure through a proportionate fair share agreement. Township Attorney Scott Salmon said such arrangements apply only within formal redevelopment agreements, which this project is not.
Council members who spoke in support framed the ordinance as forward planning, not an immediate hiring decision. Council President John Foster, a retired law enforcement officer of 28 years, supported the chief's approach, citing benefits of a staffing plan. Councilwoman Margaret Illis noted that as the Connell site's assessed value rises, resulting tax revenue would help offset added police and infrastructure costs.
The public hearing and potential final adoption are scheduled for August 11.
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FAQ
Q: What did the Berkeley Heights Council vote on regarding police staffing?
A: On Tuesday, the Township Council voted unanimously on first reading for Ordinance 2026-19, which would authorize one deputy chief position, one lieutenant, and four additional patrol officers in the Berkeley Heights Police Department. The positions are not funded or filled immediately.
Q: When is the public hearing for this ordinance?
A: The public hearing and potential final adoption vote are scheduled for August 11, 2026, at a Township Council meeting.
Q: How many police officers does Berkeley Heights currently have, and how many would it have if the ordinance is adopted?
A: Berkeley Heights currently has 28 officers. If all six authorized positions were eventually funded and filled, the department would grow to 34 officers.
Q: Why is the police chief requesting additional staff?
A: Police Chief Frank Mea said the ordinance reflects a five-year staffing plan developed after the department received reaccreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The chief noted the current staffing level has remained unchanged for decades despite population growth, increased commuter traffic, and the presence of the Connell corporate campus.
Q: Do the new positions have to be funded immediately?
A: No. The ordinance only authorizes the positions within the department's structure. Any future hiring would still require a separate budget request to the council and a mayoral executive order.
Q: Where can I find more Berkeley Heights government news?
A: Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights council actions, government announcements, and community news. Subscribe to the Berkeley Heights newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates.
