Supersession Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this supersession necessary?
It has come to the attention of our office that there have been serious deficiencies in the vetting and hiring of sworn members of the Penns Grove Police Department. Additionally, the operational decision-making and internal processes at the highest levels of the department have been called into question. As such, we have exercised our authority and duty to intervene so that we may fully understand the impact on public safety in the Borough.

How does the Prosecutor’s Office have the authority to come into the Penns Grove Police Department?
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act of 1970 and relevant N.J.S.A. statutes, Prosecutors in the state of New Jersey have long held the responsibility to oversee law-enforcement operations in their county. As part of this serious responsibility to ensure the safety of our residents, Prosecutors are able to supersede certain facets, or assume full operational control, of police departments within their jurisdiction. Many may not realize that this is not the first time the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, under prior administration, has exercised its authority and duty to supersede certain operations of the Penns Grove Police Department.

Why did the Prosecutor’s Office come in without giving advance warning or an opportunity to reach a mutual agreement?
At times, law enf rcement officials must conduct confidential internal investigations into the conduct of members of law-enforcement agencies, as well as, the procedures and processes of those agencies. As such, advance notice of an impending investigation or action may undermine confidentiality or make relevant documents or evidence difficult to recover.

What is the current role of the Public Safety (Police) Director?
The employment status of the Public Safety (Police) Director is solely at the discretion of the Borough of Penns Grove. However, the Police Director has been restricted from any operational decision-making or control of the Penns Grove Police Department as a result of the supersession.

What is the Prosecutor’s Office actually doing in the Police Department right now? How does this work?
The goal of the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office is to return operational control to the Borough of Penns Grove as quickly as possible. To accomplish this, we have developed a strategic plan to address identified concerns and restore trust in the Department. A copy of this plan is publicly available on the Salem County Prosecutor’s website

How long will the Prosecutor’s Office oversee the Police Department?
It is the goal of the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office to restore operational control as quickly as possible however significant remediation must be accomplished prior to restoration of local control.

Is this a criminal investigation?
There is currently an active internal investigation into the administrative procedures and processes of the Penns Grove Police Department as well as those overseeing its operations. Collateral issues may be identified as this investigation proceeds.

Is it true that current PGPD officers cannot provide adequate police coverage for the Borough?
We are currently examining the staffing and patrol allocations of the Penns Grove Police Department and have enlisted law-enforcement experts to assist in determining if the department has been staffed at an adequate level. At this time, there is no risk to the public due to staffing shortages and mutual aid solutions have been and will continue to be employed where necessary.

Will Penns Grove continue to have its own police force? 
The Salem County Prosecutor’s office acknowledges the long and proud history of the Penns Grove Police Department and has no desire to see that agency dissolved.