| Author | Message | ||
     officerfriendly Citizen Username: Officerfriendly Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2002 |
A few quick answers... What are fixed tours? Being a police officer means working weekends, nights, midnights, holidays, etc. We all accept that. We are just trying to come up with a schedule that is flexible enough for us to be able to spend time with our families. We currently work a fixed tour, which is what we want, but the town wants to move everyone. Why did the morale plummet two years ago? It's been plummeting for decades. It just got worse during the past 3 years. How much are they paid, and how much are neighboring towns pay them? Our pay has always been at the bottom of the pay scale in Essex County. Where do they suggest that they put the police headquarters? Hilton library site would have been nice... Of the sixty officers, what does the distribution of length of service look like? We have lost most of our 'middle' officers over the past few years, ones with 5 to 15 years of service. We have lost 5 detectives since 2000. By 'lost' I mean left for other departments. Is this the norm? if not, why not? No. It isn't. We have lost over 25 officers since 1997. South Orange has lost 2. It seems to me that since I moved to Mayberry in 1995, I have been seeing mostly rookie cops, but then again, I thought we had about 20 officers, because I have seen about that many different faces. Is my impression correct that we have a very young force? Yes. If so, why do they think that is so? is that good? bad? neither? Is it possible policemen are leaving because we pick them up at coolie wages and as soon as they get experience they can do someplace else and get much more for their service? Yes. Could that be part of the reason why we have a high turnover? Yes. What does respect mean to them? operationally define it. Why do they think that the TC has neglected them? What suggestion do they have to ameliorate the situation? The PBA has been trying for years to communicate with the TC about our problems. They never listened. The TC had the opportunity to promote an officer to Chief who would have turned this place around for the good. They didn't. The TC could have stopped most of these officers from leaving just if they listened to what they were saying, but they didn't. There are dozens of other reasons why the morale is bad. Respect is not just about money and schedules. For example: After the PBA made their voice heard in June at the TC meeting, The TC came back during contract talks with a possible new schedule and a fairly good contract (pay) proposal. There was a new euphoria in the department. Several officers who were ready to leave held off. Now almost 3 months later, the Town has cancelled 3 meetings w/o reason. We were expecting to settle way before Christmas, but now it looks like it's going to be way into next year. The word is that our schedule is out the window and the raises aren't that great. These officers who held off are now actively pursuing their new job offers. and they wonder why everyone is leaving.. Thank you, officerfriendly | ||
| Duncan Citizen Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 1104 Registered: 12-2001  |
officefriendly..for my part I would hate to lose someone as reasonable as you from the force. This is an excellent post and I thank you for the time it took to write it. I hope that a new breeze blows through the TC and lifts everyones spirits. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" Wayne Gretzky | ||
| Joan Citizen Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 2152 Registered: 5-2001 |
Officerfriendly: Thank you so much for educating all of us on some of the key problems facing the officers of the MPD. | ||
| Reflective Citizen Username: Reflective Post Number: 174 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks Officerfriendly, We need action by our TC now to address these issues within and without the PD. My opinion is that the lame duck mayor has never been keen on PD support and Mead follows his lead. The three year time frame officerfriendly mentions matches their regime. The PBA endorsed Pettis and Kathy. They are Fred's candidates. Time for the PBA to call its chits in now. Jan 1, the reorganization, electing a mayor, and appointing township officials is only six weeks away. Fred, Ian and even the new nominees should be visibly and publically addressing these issues now. If they aren't or won't, this writer says COPihue will be seeing a lot more rookies. | ||
| Redsox Citizen Username: Redsox Post Number: 361 Registered: 6-2002 |
when u leave, shut off the light 20 & out- the life u choose | ||
| Rebecca Raines Citizen Username: Robin_realist Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2003 |
First let me say that I agree the PD needs a new building. They also deserve a reasonable pay raise on a yearly basis. They especially deserve our respect and appreciation for all they do to keep us safe. However, the overall budget issue is a serious problem that has to be carefully balanced. I want a raise at work too but I don't want my taxes to go up any more. Every year that I have been here, belts have been tightened in all town departments. For example: DPW used to have a fulltime person at the Branch Library, now he's shared with several other buildings. Not unreasonable but tricky if he ever gets sick, who'll do his job if they're all maxed out like that? The staff at both libraries has been cut to the bone. Have you noticed there's usually a volunteer at the Info Desk? Again, not really a bad thing unless they don't come in for some reason(they're volunteers, you can't dock their pay), or you need something a volunteer can't really handle.(By the way, the volunteers are greatly appreciated by the staff.) I don't know that much about Town Hall staff except that their morale is not great either, I assume they've taken on more responsibilties also. I'm saying that things aren't always as simple as, Police are important so give them more. Morale is not great in any of our town departments. Things are tight and none of us feel overly appreciated. Things will remain tight but we can make people feel appreciated by doing some simple things. Being considerate of their ideas and feelings, respecting the importance of each person's job. OfficerFriendly stated that some officers might not have left if their concerns had been heard. Town reps should meet with people when they say they will and give them a reasonable contract in a timely fashion. These things will go a long way to making all township employees have a better attitude towards the town and therefore stay longer. R | ||
| Copihue Citizen Username: Cop Post Number: 117 Registered: 10-2003  |
OK. I signed up. I don't know if they will take me, but if they accept me, I will move out of the peanut gallery and onto dealing with the realities of it all. Pack your own chute. | ||
| dreamer Citizen Username: Dreamer Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ladies and Gents, I read many positive and negatives about the police dept from both sides. Lets think about the real issues here. The Maplewood Police Dept is the "Red Headed Step Child" of the town. However bottom line is we all need them. Think about it for a min. these brave men and women our out there on our street 24/7, 364 day. While we enjoy time with our families, on weekends, holidays, in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. While we sit in our cozy offices or sunngled up with our loved ones in front of a warm fire place. The town provides only the basic equiptment that is needed nothing more. They get hurt and sick all the time. If most of us had to work like that we would quit and or even sue our employer. The men and the women share the same locker facility, shower and bathroom. If that was done any where else i know there would be law suits. Aa far as many of our complaints i.e speeding, kids fighting etc.. As far as speeding look at their car most don't even have radar machines in them. As far as kids fighting. I remember as a kid we would fight work it out and then move on. Without the police coming to our aid. Kids will be kids and as long as we keep busting their chops they will continue to fight just to get attention. The holiday season is approaching. Many of our fine men and women will be working while we enjoy time with our families. Protecting and serving. Next t ime you see one of them say thanks and keep up the great work inspite of all the problems. Next time you see a TC member tell them. Our police need a better building, a pay raise, better equiptment, etc. We all sit here and bicker, but it really does no one any good. Action is whats needed not talk. Thank you for your time. | ||
| Joan Citizen Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 2158 Registered: 5-2001 |
Copihue: Way to go! It certainly doesn't hurt to learn the facts plus CBAC is one of the very few vehicles we have for influencing change in our municipal government that has some chance of success. | ||
| Rebecca Raines Citizen Username: Robin_realist Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2003 |
dreamer: I agree that we need to be appreciative of our police. They certainly work hard and I wouldn't want to do their job. I also like every one I've ever met and have great respect for them. My spouse works in security and has worked with a number of officers in the NY/metro area. I think that the public can influence the TC to get on with signing a reasonable contract. However, you make it sound like a few people are out there night and day, rain, wind, holiday, etc. and are getting hurt and sick and nobody cares. I believe there are about 60 police officers. They apparently like their set shifts, the township wants them to rotate so the younger/newer ones will have a break sometimes(I assume that's the motivation). We provide them health insurance and they have a union which represents their interests in contract negotiations. Finally and most importantly, they are police officers because they want to be. It's not easy to get in, it takes work and they chose the job as a career. Let's do what it takes to make them want to work for us in that career rather than another town(let's at least be competitive). Not feel sorry for them because they have to work at night, etc. Lots of people have less than ideal work situations. R | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 2176 Registered: 9-2001 |
Officer Friendly... "Where do they suggest that they put the police headquarters? The Hilton library site would have been nice..." I still see one of the most important issues to resolve next to getting more money for our officers, is their need for a new police headquarters. From the comments on-line, the number of officers who have left the force, and the public appearances they’ve made so far, it should be obvious that the majority of officers mostly agree the township has dragged their feet long enough. It’s way past the time to resolve this very important matter that most effects our public safety concerns. And, we better do it soon! Listen, what's more important folks; moving a library over a couple of blocks, trying to satisfy a bunch of NIMBY's, pleasing a few “Friends of the Library” members who insist on having their way because of some sticks and bricks that have little or no historic value, saving one of the least used public buildings in the whole town, or resolving the location of the new police department issue? I would like to hear from anyone reading this, who agrees the library should remain on the list of properties being considered for the new site of our police headquarters... Please private line me if you’re willing to join the “Friends of the Police Officers.” Admission is free!  When the time comes again to discuss whatever this new committee comes up with as a site, I believe the FOPO’s will need to publicly weigh it in against the library site, and may the best overall location win! | ||
| Rebecca Raines Citizen Username: Robin_realist Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2003 |
ajc, You're repeated attempts to pit the Hilton Branch Library against the Police do no one any good. Maybe that location would have been the best for the PD, it's even possible that it could have been handled to everyone's mutual benefit. A new building for both, but most people think it's a waste of time to keep focusing on that location. But the TC resolved this. They were unanimous in their decision. Now, there are other good possibilities already scoped out for the new PD. They should choose one of them. I like the idea of a Friends of the Police Officers. Why not have them sponsor an annual banquet for appreciation awards or picnics to let the public meet our officers and their families. R | ||
| Montagnard Citizen Username: Montagnard Post Number: 248 Registered: 6-2003 |
There are plenty of sites available for a police station on Springfield Avenue. There are different costs and benefits for each site, and the elected representatives have been given the message that Hilton Library costs too much in terms of loss of green space and loss of access to library facilities. Now that it's off the list, let's see what's next. | ||
| Former Mpd Citizen Username: Former_mpd Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2003 |
As a former Officer, I have to say that I made the best decision by leaving and going to a new dept. I keep in contact with former co-workers who have left to goto better Depts and they are just as happy. It's nice going to a place where you are treated as an adult by your Superiors. It took me a long time to realize that nothing is going to change in the Dept and the town. It's always the same promises are made that are never filled. | ||
| Former Mpd Citizen Username: Former_mpd Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's a shame because Maplewood has some of the best Officers in the state. But unfortunately they continue to get slapped in the face, from the Chief, The Mayor, TC, and the residents of Maplewood. Surrounding PD's work a favorable schedule for all of it's Officers. One person feels that the Officers should rotate tours every two years, which is unfair especially for those officers who are married with kids. This may seem small to those who work a traditional 9-5, but to those in law enforcement it's a hugh problem. It's amazing that the residents are taking an interest in their PD, but other than signing on and posting a couple of msg.'s what have they really done? Maplewood is surrounded by two of the most violent cities in the State of NJ, how long before these criminals decide to set up shop in Maplehood? | ||
| NRL Citizen Username: Nrl Post Number: 317 Registered: 8-2003 |
Art, Count me in on the FOPO committeee. Police and crime fighting is the most important thing to me as a resident here. The cops need the tools to do their jobs. | ||
| Duncan Citizen Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 1108 Registered: 12-2001 |
Formermpd what were you/are you hoping to achieve with your post? "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" Wayne Gretzky | ||
| thelight Citizen Username: Thelight Post Number: 102 Registered: 8-2001 |
Hello All, One of the major problems in a nutshell...Ever since the Maplewood Police Dept's labor Union, PBA Local #44 publicly announced our support for K&K, DeLuca and his partner in arms Ryan, have been furious towards us! And as anyone can see, those two are doing, and will continue to do anything they can to hurt us and delay the settling of our Labor Contract. It is quite obvious, those two are sour grapes through and through. And just to address someone's idea that the Maplewood Police Dept. should go on strike, it is against the law for us to walk out on a strike, we could/would lose our jobs if we did hold a strike. If it does come down to it, and I hope that it never will, there are MANY, MANY different ways in which we can "strike" back at the powers that be that run a Township, all legal of course. We have been working without a new labor contract since January 2003, we want the Township to sit down and settle our Contract in a fair and agreeable manner. You want to know what's funny? It is my understanding that the Town's Business Administrator had an agreeable settlement hammered out with the Police Union, but after giving her own offer some more thought, she pulled the offer from the bargaining table and has been cancelling meeting after meeting with us. Could it be that Ryan and Deluca have been telling Meade not to settle with us? who knows. The next time you see Meade, ask her, I'm sure she will tell you the complete truth... Thank You, The Light. | ||
| wharfrat Citizen Username: Wharfrat Post Number: 846 Registered: 6-2001 |
DeLuca and his partner in arms Ryan, have been furious towards us! And as anyone can see, those two are doing, and will continue to do anything they can to hurt us and delay the settling of our Labor Contract. No, light, it's not obvious. Could you corroborate your accusation with examples? | ||
| thelight Citizen Username: Thelight Post Number: 103 Registered: 8-2001 |
Hello, Our Labor Contract remains unsettled nearly a year later.....The writing is on the wall! Thank You, The Light. |
