NJ Police Chiefs President Reflects on Year of Service
Thomas Dellane Addresses Key Law Enforcement Issues in New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER) – Thomas Dellane, president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP), is concluding his one-year term with a solid track record of addressing critical issues in law enforcement. As his term comes to an end on July 1, Dellane has made significant strides in promoting key issues and setting the stage for future success under the leadership of incoming president Chief Ed Kerr of the Spring Lake Police Department.
Upon assuming the presidency, Dellane wasted no time in developing a comprehensive plan of action. He understood the fleeting nature of his tenure and the urgent need for immediate positive impact. Dellane’s agenda encompassed various crucial matters, including the reform of the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Through opinion-editorials in New Jersey media and podcast appearances, Dellane expressed concerns regarding the misuse of public resources by profiteers exploiting OPRA loopholes for personal gain. He urged lawmakers to modernize OPRA, given the evolving landscape of cyberattacks, advanced online research tools, and technological advancements.
Additionally, Dellane closely monitored the rollout of the recreational cannabis market in New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of public safety. He called for an amendment to state laws, preventing off-duty police officers from using cannabis. Despite the introduction of bills in the state Legislature to address this issue, Dellane expressed disappointment that no progress has been made. He stressed the need for robust debates and prompt actions to safeguard the interests of the public.
In another development that raised Dellane’s concerns, the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy recently underwent a revision. The revised policy states that police officers in New Jersey can only be randomly tested for marijuana if there is suspicion of usage while on duty or if their job requires federal drug testing. Dellane criticized this change, highlighting the importance of keeping officers accountable and addressing the fact that signs of marijuana use may not always be immediately apparent. This new policy puts New Jersey in the unique position of being the only state without any law enforcement exemption regarding cannabis use.
Dellane also expressed alarm over the increasing number of car thefts in New Jersey. While advocating for proposed bills in Trenton to increase criminal penalties for car theft, Dellane pointed out that relying solely on lawmakers is not enough. Local police departments, along with New Jersey residents, must actively engage in spreading awareness about car theft prevention measures, such as parking in well-lit areas and securing vehicles properly. He stressed the importance of community vigilance and prompt sharing of information through social media groups.
Moreover, Dellane played a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of police licensure in New Jersey. This significant law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy, aims to enhance professionalism and transparency in law enforcement. Dellane commended the licensure law for its potential to foster the growth of better officers and police departments, while holding them accountable through a fair and transparent due process. He emphasized the need for ongoing state audits to ensure compliance with the licensure standards and the elimination of shortcuts in any New Jersey police department.
As part of his efforts to engage with law enforcement leaders and promote dialogue, Dellane supported the expansion of the “ChiefTalk” podcast series by NJSACOP. This podcast platform brought together over 20 prominent law enforcement figures, including Dellane himself, to discuss relevant issues in the field. The live podcast interviews served as a highlight of the police expo conference held in Atlantic City from June 26 to June 29.
In conclusion, Thomas Dellane’s tenure as president of NJSACOP has been marked by his relentless pursuit of crucial law enforcement issues. His dedication to modernizing OPRA, addressing public safety concerns related to cannabis use, combating car thefts, implementing police licensure, and promoting dialogue through podcasts has had a profound impact on the law enforcement landscape in New Jersey. As Chief Ed Kerr takes over the presidency, Dellane leaves behind a legacy of progress, urging continued commitment to these critical issues to better serve and protect the state’s residents.
