Deputy Chief Reduction

[Strife767]

SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE.WHAT A JOKE.40 THOUSAND RESIDENTS IN THE TOWN OF KEARNY ,BUT ONLY 40 RESIDENTS SHOWED UP.WHAT A DISGRACE.!!!!!

77188[/snapback]

Canessa estimated over 100, but it had to have been over 40, or else the meeting wouldn't have been moved to the high school.

Also, period or exclamation point: pick one (and only one of the one you pick, please). And, as a reminder, caps lock is in fact not cruise control for cool, contrary to popular belief.

[Guest Yoda]

It’s an interesting turn of events this week that the recall effort should use wisely. Taxes keep rising, the police and fire departments are unhappy with the mayor. This is your early Christmas gift. Build your base now. Don’t blow it.

[Guest The Voice of Reason]

76833[/snapback]

Let’s get one thing straight the Deputy Chief's and the Chief of the Kearny Police Department are employed on salary. They do not get paid overtime for staying late, attending parades, attending public functions or patrolling the town after hours. Their pay is set by the Mayor and Council and passed by resolution. They are considered management employees. It is very easy to lose focus but to put it simply they are administrators and should be looked to for input on how to most effectively and efficiently run a police department. Each and every one of these men have been born and raised in this town and attained their positions by taking a series of 4 to 5 promotional tests administered by the New Jersey State Department of Personnel and have over 100 years of law enforcement experience combined between them. As in any other organization the managers handle administrative functions and the rank and file handles the job and daily work load. As managers they are not expected to handle the daily work load, nor should they. (If Derek Jeter is unable to perform as shortstop should Joe Girardi now do his job? I think not.) Let’s get real, these men have put their time in doing the job and have now aspired to their current positions. It is not feasible to expect them to fill in and perform the job of supervisors or sworn officers to alleviate overtime. It appears that overtime is the main issue at hand. But what you don't understand is that the Police Business is a 24 hour a day operation 7 days a week 365 days a year. Officers are not handed a set work load to handle and are not able to just leave after their 8 hour work day. They respond and handle any incident and emergency given to them at moments notice and are expected to handle the situation to the best of their ability and within the framework of the criminal justice system. These officers are then expected to complete required reports, or remain on the scene of emergency’s that may run over their 8 hr. shift. Also to properly cover the town they serve minimum manpower requirements need to be met in order to serve the town most efficiently and ensuring the officers safety in doing their job.

I find it utterly ridiculous that the Mayor, Town Council and Town Administrator think that they know what is best for the people of this town, as well as how to best run all of the towns agencies. Remember one thing that they have only been elected to serve the people of this town and have no qualifications to run these departments and should look to work with their management employees rather than against them and costing the taxpayers more money in the long run.

The Mayor is quick to regale about wanting to hire town residents to serve the town as employees of the Police and Fire Department, but he seems to forget back in the 90's when Kearny's residency rule was challenged by the NAACP as being discriminatory and had to open up the testing to all residents of Hudson and Essex County within a 5 mile radius. Also the Town does not seem to have any problem paying their highest salary on record to a Town administrator who resides outside the Town and to whom they provide a car allowance to travel to and from his job. It is quite obvious the Mayor's argument holds little water.

The Mayor and Council take an oath to serve the people of this town as do the members of the police and fire departments. I think it is time to work together to serve the taxpayers of the town. The mayor and counsel should not use their political power to further personal agendas or flex their political muscles, and be misguided by the town administrator. Let’s get beyond this, check your egos at the door and work together for a change.

[Guest Guest]

Let’s get one thing straight the Deputy Chief's and the Chief of the Kearny Police Department are employed on salary.  They do not get paid overtime for staying late, attending parades, attending public functions or patrolling the town after hours.  Their pay is set by the Mayor and Council and passed by resolution.  They are considered management employees.  It is very easy to lose focus but to put it simply they are administrators and should be looked to for input on how to most effectively and efficiently run a police department.  Each and every one of these men have been born and raised in this town and attained their positions by taking a series of 4 to 5 promotional tests administered by the New Jersey State Department of Personnel and have over 100 years of law enforcement experience combined between them.  As in any other organization the managers handle administrative functions and the rank and file handles the job and daily work load.  As managers they are not expected to handle the daily work load, nor should they. (If Derek Jeter is unable to perform as shortstop should Joe Girardi now do his job? I think not.)  Let’s get real, these men have put their time in doing the job and have now aspired to their current positions.  It is not feasible to expect them to fill in and perform the job of supervisors or sworn officers to alleviate overtime.  It appears that overtime is the main issue at hand. But what you don't understand is that the Police Business is a 24 hour a day operation 7 days a week 365 days a year.  Officers are not handed a set work load to handle and are not able to just leave after their 8 hour work day.  They respond and handle any incident and emergency given to them at moments notice and are expected to handle the situation to the best of their ability and within the framework of the criminal justice system.  These officers are then expected to complete required reports, or remain on the scene of emergency’s that may run over their 8 hr. shift.  Also to properly cover the town they serve minimum manpower requirements need to be met in order to serve the town most efficiently and ensuring the officers safety in doing their job.

    I find it utterly ridiculous that the Mayor, Town Council and Town Administrator think that they know what is best for the people of this town, as well as how to best run all of the towns agencies.  Remember one thing that they have only been elected to serve the people of this town and have no qualifications to run these departments and should look to work with their management employees rather than against them and costing the taxpayers more money in the long run.

    The Mayor is quick to regale about wanting to hire town residents to serve the town as employees of the Police and Fire Department, but he seems to forget back in the 90's when Kearny's residency rule was challenged by the NAACP as being discriminatory and had to open up the testing to all residents of Hudson and Essex County within a 5 mile radius.  Also the Town does not seem to have any problem paying their highest salary on record to a Town administrator who resides outside the Town and to whom they provide a car allowance to travel to and from his job.  It is quite obvious the Mayor's argument holds little water. 

    The Mayor and Council take an oath to serve the people of this town as do the members of the police and fire departments.  I think it is time to work together to serve the taxpayers of the town.  The mayor and counsel should not use their political power to further personal agendas or flex their political muscles, and be misguided by the town administrator.  Let’s get beyond this, check your egos at the door and work together for a change.

77279[/snapback]

How about a little perspective here? The council just voted to reduce the number of deputies from 3 to 2. Will this strap the department and make us less safe? Or is the department mainly just looking out for its own interests? I don't know the answer, but I do hope Mr. Canessa gets the recordings on line so we can all hear what took place.

We were told this part of the meeting would end at 7. Had I known it would run until midnight, I would have gone down to see it.

[Guest Guest]

Let’s get one thing straight the Deputy Chief's and the Chief of the Kearny Police Department are employed on salary.  They do not get paid overtime for staying late, attending parades, attending public functions or patrolling the town after hours.  Their pay is set by the Mayor and Council and passed by resolution.  They are considered management employees.  It is very easy to lose focus but to put it simply they are administrators and should be looked to for input on how to most effectively and efficiently run a police department.  Each and every one of these men have been born and raised in this town and attained their positions by taking a series of 4 to 5 promotional tests administered by the New Jersey State Department of Personnel and have over 100 years of law enforcement experience combined between them.  As in any other organization the managers handle administrative functions and the rank and file handles the job and daily work load.  As managers they are not expected to handle the daily work load, nor should they. (If Derek Jeter is unable to perform as shortstop should Joe Girardi now do his job? I think not.)  Let’s get real, these men have put their time in doing the job and have now aspired to their current positions.  It is not feasible to expect them to fill in and perform the job of supervisors or sworn officers to alleviate overtime.  It appears that overtime is the main issue at hand. But what you don't understand is that the Police Business is a 24 hour a day operation 7 days a week 365 days a year.  Officers are not handed a set work load to handle and are not able to just leave after their 8 hour work day.  They respond and handle any incident and emergency given to them at moments notice and are expected to handle the situation to the best of their ability and within the framework of the criminal justice system.  These officers are then expected to complete required reports, or remain on the scene of emergency’s that may run over their 8 hr. shift.  Also to properly cover the town they serve minimum manpower requirements need to be met in order to serve the town most efficiently and ensuring the officers safety in doing their job.

    I find it utterly ridiculous that the Mayor, Town Council and Town Administrator think that they know what is best for the people of this town, as well as how to best run all of the towns agencies.  Remember one thing that they have only been elected to serve the people of this town and have no qualifications to run these departments and should look to work with their management employees rather than against them and costing the taxpayers more money in the long run.

    The Mayor is quick to regale about wanting to hire town residents to serve the town as employees of the Police and Fire Department, but he seems to forget back in the 90's when Kearny's residency rule was challenged by the NAACP as being discriminatory and had to open up the testing to all residents of Hudson and Essex County within a 5 mile radius.  Also the Town does not seem to have any problem paying their highest salary on record to a Town administrator who resides outside the Town and to whom they provide a car allowance to travel to and from his job.  It is quite obvious the Mayor's argument holds little water. 

    The Mayor and Council take an oath to serve the people of this town as do the members of the police and fire departments.  I think it is time to work together to serve the taxpayers of the town.  The mayor and counsel should not use their political power to further personal agendas or flex their political muscles, and be misguided by the town administrator.  Let’s get beyond this, check your egos at the door and work together for a change.

77279[/snapback]

Bottom line; as with most civil service, government, and educational organizations the Management and Administrative side is top heavy and inefficient.

I work in a group of over 150 employees. We had only one manager for over a year. We now have a manager and an assistant manager. Both of whom have several other major responsibilities besides managing and administering our group.

In the real world you don’t promote people just because they pass some tests and think they are owed a position.

[Guest Reader]

I don't know the answer, but I do hope Mr. Canessa gets the recordings on line so we can all hear what took place.

77291[/snapback]

Those recordings your looking for are on line now.

[Guest Guest]

Let’s get one thing straight the Deputy Chief's and the Chief of the Kearny Police Department are employed on salary.  They do not get paid overtime for staying late, attending parades, attending public functions or patrolling the town after hours.  Their pay is set by the Mayor and Council and passed by resolution.  They are considered management employees.  It is very easy to lose focus but to put it simply they are administrators and should be looked to for input on how to most effectively and efficiently run a police department.  Each and every one of these men have been born and raised in this town and attained their positions by taking a series of 4 to 5 promotional tests administered by the New Jersey State Department of Personnel and have over 100 years of law enforcement experience combined between them.  As in any other organization the managers handle administrative functions and the rank and file handles the job and daily work load.  As managers they are not expected to handle the daily work load, nor should they. (If Derek Jeter is unable to perform as shortstop should Joe Girardi now do his job? I think not.)  Let’s get real, these men have put their time in doing the job and have now aspired to their current positions.  It is not feasible to expect them to fill in and perform the job of supervisors or sworn officers to alleviate overtime.  It appears that overtime is the main issue at hand. But what you don't understand is that the Police Business is a 24 hour a day operation 7 days a week 365 days a year.  Officers are not handed a set work load to handle and are not able to just leave after their 8 hour work day.  They respond and handle any incident and emergency given to them at moments notice and are expected to handle the situation to the best of their ability and within the framework of the criminal justice system.  These officers are then expected to complete required reports, or remain on the scene of emergency’s that may run over their 8 hr. shift.  Also to properly cover the town they serve minimum manpower requirements need to be met in order to serve the town most efficiently and ensuring the officers safety in doing their job.

    I find it utterly ridiculous that the Mayor, Town Council and Town Administrator think that they know what is best for the people of this town, as well as how to best run all of the towns agencies.  Remember one thing that they have only been elected to serve the people of this town and have no qualifications to run these departments and should look to work with their management employees rather than against them and costing the taxpayers more money in the long run.

    The Mayor is quick to regale about wanting to hire town residents to serve the town as employees of the Police and Fire Department, but he seems to forget back in the 90's when Kearny's residency rule was challenged by the NAACP as being discriminatory and had to open up the testing to all residents of Hudson and Essex County within a 5 mile radius.  Also the Town does not seem to have any problem paying their highest salary on record to a Town administrator who resides outside the Town and to whom they provide a car allowance to travel to and from his job.  It is quite obvious the Mayor's argument holds little water. 

    The Mayor and Council take an oath to serve the people of this town as do the members of the police and fire departments.  I think it is time to work together to serve the taxpayers of the town.  The mayor and counsel should not use their political power to further personal agendas or flex their political muscles, and be misguided by the town administrator.  Let’s get beyond this, check your egos at the door and work together for a change.

77279[/snapback]

As I recall, in 1997 there was 1 Deputy Chief and he was promoted to Chief without a test. Later for political reasons, they made 3 Deputy Chiefs.

[Guest Guest]

How about a little perspective here? The council just voted to reduce the number of deputies from 3 to 2. Will this strap the department and make us less safe? Or is the department mainly just looking out for its own interests? I don't know the answer, but I do hope Mr. Canessa gets the recordings on line so we can all hear what took place.

We were told this part of the meeting would end at 7. Had I known it would run until midnight, I would have gone down to see it.

77291[/snapback]

they also capped the patrolmen at 82 which means the town can not hire any more then 82 patrolmen....that sounds great right?...save money?..but what they dont tell you, is people get sick, go out injured, take vacation...so if the pd is running at bare minimum now, what happnes when someone goes out sick?...they also dont tell you, that since the cap is at 82...they can't hire new people until the person they are replacing retires...so 10 guys retire, now patrolmen are at 72 (way way under minimum) then they can certify a list, do backround checks, physicals, and hire 10 guys...then those ten guys have to go to the academy which only runs in jan and july...that takes 6 months..then when they get out its two months training...so the 10 guys wont get replaced until about 9 months after they leave...and guess what, at that time, you will have a whole new group of guys retiring..

[Guest Guest]

lN 1997 THE kpd REGISTERED 1,919 CRIMES IN THE uNIFORM cRIME rEPORT WITH

[Guest The Accountant]

Uniform Crime Report for Kearny

1997- 1,919 crimes- 152 violent crimes - 111 Officers -14 Civilians.

2006- 1,091 crimes 104 violent crimes 118 officers 7 civilians

A reduction of 828 crimes or 43.15 %

Violent crimes were reduced by 48 or 31.6%

The number of officers increased by 7.

So, why did the Chief tell the Mayor and Council that times have changed and they have gangs in Kearny? All the Mayor and Council has to do is to review the uniform crime reports and they will see that crime is down substantially during the last 10 years while the number of sworn officers has been increased by 7. Facts don't lie. Kearny is much safer then it was 10 years ago.

[Guest Loki]

Uniform Crime Report for Kearny

1997-  1,919 crimes- 152 violent crimes - 111 Officers -14 Civilians.

2006-  1,091 crimes  104 violent crimes    118 officers  7 civilians

A reduction of 828 crimes or 43.15 %

Violent crimes were reduced by 48 or 31.6%

The number of officers increased by 7.

So, why did the Chief tell the Mayor and Council that times have changed and they have gangs in Kearny? All the Mayor and Council has to do is to review the uniform crime reports and they will see that crime is down substantially during the last 10 years while the number of sworn officers has been increased by 7. Facts don't lie. Kearny is much safer then it was 10 years ago. 

77410[/snapback]

Probably because its true. I'm not saying that Kearny is a terrible place, far from it. But, you would be hard pressed to convince me that Kearny is safer now than ten years ago; even with these statistics. The after hours activity on Kearny Avenue alone suggests just the opposite.

Of course, if crime does go up, the Mayor and Council will be front and center to accept the blame resulting from their decision, right? RIGHT???

[Guest Guest]

I work in a group of over 150 employees. We had only one manager for over a year. We now have a manager and an assistant manager. Both of whom have several other major responsibilities besides managing and administering our group.

So you work at a 24 hour McDonalds??? or Monday through Friday 9-5 weekend and holiday off????????????? Not to mention you know nothing of the civil service testing system!

[Guest Guest]

Those recordings your looking for are on line now.

77376[/snapback]

Actually, only a few recordings are on line. I was hoping to hear a fuller exchange.

[Guest Guest]

Uniform Crime Report for Kearny

1997-  1,919 crimes- 152 violent crimes - 111 Officers -14 Civilians.

2006-  1,091 crimes  104 violent crimes    118 officers  7 civilians

A reduction of 828 crimes or 43.15 %

Violent crimes were reduced by 48 or 31.6%

The number of officers increased by 7.

So, why did the Chief tell the Mayor and Council that times have changed and they have gangs in Kearny? All the Mayor and Council has to do is to review the uniform crime reports and they will see that crime is down substantially during the last 10 years while the number of sworn officers has been increased by 7. Facts don't lie. Kearny is much safer then it was 10 years ago. 

77410[/snapback]

And in addition to that, if they have a problem, they can increase the force. Come on, people, get real. This isn't about la-la-land. It's about what's actually happening in Kearny and in our lives.

[Strife767]

Probably because its true.  I'm not saying that Kearny is a terrible place, far from it.  But, you would be hard pressed to convince me that Kearny is safer now than ten years ago; even with these statistics.

What would convince you then, I must ask? Sounds like you just don't want to let go of the idea already in your head, despite what the actual evidence shows.

[Guest Guest]

I work in a group of over 150 employees.  We had only one manager for over a year.  We now have a manager and an assistant manager.  Both of whom have several other major responsibilities besides managing and administering our group.

So you work at a 24 hour McDonalds???  or Monday through Friday 9-5 weekend and holiday off?????????????  Not to mention you know nothing of the civil service testing system!

77440[/snapback]

Please, any excuse to justify the BS.

[Guest Question]

Who got demoted ?

[Guest Loki]

What would convince you then, I must ask? Sounds like you just don't want to let go of the idea already in your head, despite what the actual evidence shows.

77466[/snapback]

You are obviously assuming that the reduction in the crime rate is in SPITE of the KPD; not because they may actually be operating in an already efficient manner.

So, I'll consider alternative ideas, whilst you stick to the numbers that support the one idea you have. Which I'm guessing has been predetermined by you.

[Guest Bring Back Breakdancing!]

Uniform Crime Report for Kearny

1997-  1,919 crimes- 152 violent crimes - 111 Officers -14 Civilians.

2006-  1,091 crimes  104 violent crimes    118 officers  7 civilians

A reduction of 828 crimes or 43.15 %

Violent crimes were reduced by 48 or 31.6%

The number of officers increased by 7.

So, why did the Chief tell the Mayor and Council that times have changed and they have gangs in Kearny? All the Mayor and Council has to do is to review the uniform crime reports and they will see that crime is down substantially during the last 10 years while the number of sworn officers has been increased by 7. Facts don't lie. Kearny is much safer then it was 10 years ago. 

77410[/snapback]

So what you've just argued is that the addition of extra officers from 1997 to 2006 dropped the crime rate in Kearny. Maybe a reduction will have a paradoxical effect. Also, the crime report doesn't take into account the myriad service calls and the deluge of minor complaints that the PD addresses all day long. I believe this category of demand for police service has increased markedly. Just look at the ridiculous number of noise complaints and traffic complaints the police have to address each day. It takes significant manpower to solve these residents' problems. Furthermore, gang affiliation is on the rise in this area. In the 80s kids wanted to be breakdancers, now everybody wants to be a gangbanger. Unfortunately, its cool to be a criminal nowadays.

[Guest Guest]

And in addition to that, if they have a problem, they can increase the force. Come on, people, get real. This isn't about la-la-land. It's about what's actually happening in Kearny and in our lives.

77444[/snapback]

Yes they can..but Officers and Firefighters Dont grow on trees. Police academies run 2 classes per year, generally Jan/Feb, and August, with a minimum of NINE Months (6 academy and 3 in FTO) from the day a class starts at the PA until those people can work on the street in a regular assignement. Overtime is going to Increase..and the same people that are on here cheering this Mayor and Council will be the same ones calling the cops and firemen greedy for working the overtime to keep all the shifts filled as people retire. Of course what no one bothered to state was that the PD is actually 2 UNDER complement according to their cap right now, and never will be at full capacity because of the cap.

[Guest Guest]

So what you've just argued is that the addition of extra officers from 1997 to 2006 dropped the crime rate in Kearny.  Maybe a reduction will have a paradoxical effect.  Also, the crime report doesn't take into account the myriad service calls and the deluge of minor complaints that the PD addresses all day long.  I believe this category of demand for police service has increased markedly.  Just look at the ridiculous number of noise complaints and traffic complaints the police have to address each day.  It takes significant manpower to solve these residents' problems.  Furthermore, gang affiliation is on the rise in this area.  In the 80s kids wanted to be breakdancers, now everybody wants to be a gangbanger.  Unfortunately, its cool to be a criminal nowadays.

77578[/snapback]

Kearny made strides against crime! Do we applaud it and continue to make an effort to do better. No, we begin to dismantle what we built, what worked for us.

There is a reason that Police and Firefighters are tested before they enter their respective departments. They then have to work a set number of years then study and test for the next rank.

It seems silly that a person elected to office arrives with all the knowledge to make decisions wether and how to reduce our ranks.

They must be studying hard at those league of municipality conventions!

Maybe, I'm wrong but none of these councilpersons was a chief of a police department.

I'll put my trust in a tired and tested Police professional before an elected official.

one way or another an elected official can be gone like last years snow. Especially here in New Jersey.

[Guest Guest]

So what you've just argued is that the addition of extra officers from 1997 to 2006 dropped the crime rate in Kearny.  Maybe a reduction will have a paradoxical effect.  Also, the crime report doesn't take into account the myriad service calls and the deluge of minor complaints that the PD addresses all day long.  I believe this category of demand for police service has increased markedly.  Just look at the ridiculous number of noise complaints and traffic complaints the police have to address each day.  It takes significant manpower to solve these residents' problems.  Furthermore, gang affiliation is on the rise in this area.  In the 80s kids wanted to be breakdancers, now everybody wants to be a gangbanger.  Unfortunately, its cool to be a criminal nowadays.

77578[/snapback]

You say that you believe that called for services has increased, then where are your facts and figures to back up your assumption.

[Guest your point is?]

Yes they can..but Officers and Firefighters Dont grow on trees.  Police academies run 2 classes per year, generally Jan/Feb, and August, with a minimum of NINE Months (6 academy and 3 in FTO) from the day a class starts at the PA until those people can work on the street in a regular assignement.  Overtime is going to Increase..and the same people that are on here cheering this Mayor and Council will be the same ones calling the cops and firemen greedy for working the overtime to keep all the shifts filled as people retire.  Of course what no one bothered to state was that the PD is actually 2 UNDER complement according to their cap right now, and never will be at full capacity because of the cap.

77629[/snapback]

What does that have to do with three versus two deputy chiefs?

[block watcher]

Please, any excuse to justify the BS.

77469[/snapback]

you probably work in a group of 150 law abiding citizens try to understand that a police officers job is usually with irational people, pissed off neighbors who wait to long to do some thing about quality of life issues i e noise, parking, fighting,plus many other issues that may at times overwelm the kearny police how ever thy all ways respond i have witnessed the person in the wrong arguing with the police officer ,,its 0nly 2 am on a sunday morning no one has work tomorrow why cant we make noise???? rediculous argument,how ever the officer kept his cool and advised if he had to return someone would be summoned. its not an easy job dealing with some of the trash on kearny streets

[Guest What's the reason?]

Kearny made strides against crime! Do we applaud it and continue to make an effort to do better. No, we begin to dismantle what we built, what worked for us.

There is a reason that Police and Firefighters are tested before they enter their respective departments. They then have to work a set number of years then study and test for the next rank.

It seems silly that a person elected to office arrives with all the knowledge to make decisions wether and how to reduce our ranks.

They must be studying hard at those league of municipality conventions!

  Maybe, I'm wrong but none of these councilpersons was a chief of a police department.

  I'll put my trust in a tired and tested Police professional before an elected official.

one way or another an elected official can be gone like last years snow. Especially here in New Jersey.

77666[/snapback]

What are the reasons for having 3 deputy chiefs instead of 2 deputy chiefs?? Saying "because the Chief said so" is avoiding the question. Because someone else said so (whether it's the Chief or the Mayor or the President of the United States or the United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) doesn't necessarily make it true. Let's go over specific reasons (pro and con) for the composition of the department and not belittle anyone. I've gone through all these threads and I'm having a hard time finding anything other than personal anger.