Mount Laurel Township Mayor John Drinkard

Announces Successful Conclusion to Police Contract

Negotiations and Reorganization of the Police Department

September 19, 2008 – Mayor John Drinkard, along with Chief of Police Joseph Lehmann, Jr., announced that the Township and the members of the police department have successfully concluded negotiations that result in a significant increase in the presence of police officers in the community at no additional cost to the Township. 

“Eight months ago when we were interviewing for a new Police Chief, then Lieutenant Lehmann discussed a comprehensive restructuring of the Police Department.  His proposal included a redeployment of personnel to increase the police officer presence on the street.  It also included redeploying command staff to be available 24 hours a day” stated Drinkard.

Lehmann noted “this is the most significant reorganization of the Mount Laurel Police Department in 20 years.  Beginning on October 1^st, the Police Department’s Patrol Bureau will switch to a 12-hour shift. This will increase the number of officers on patrol and substantially improve our level of service to the members of our community.” 

The reorganization will result in the community of Mount Laurel benefiting from increased patrols, faster response times and safer working conditions for the police.  “All within the parameter set by Township Council in the budget this year of no tax increase” noted Drinkard.

Currently the department is divided into three divisions, Operations, Criminal Investigations and Services.   Under the new plan, the department will have two divisions, the Operations Division and Administrative Division.  In addition to increased patrols it will increase supervision on all shifts.  Lieutenants that formerly worked during the business hours will switch to the 12-hour schedule and in addition to their administrative duties, will serve as Watch Commanders.  For the first time in the history of the department there will be a Command Level presence on duty around the clock.  The plan is designed to promote these benefits without increasing the operating costs of the department.

Lehmann said, “I am very thankful for all the commitment of Township Council, the manager, her staff and the members of the police department that we were able to put this plan into action.  We are all about service and this will substantially improve our ability to provide it.”