Oradell Sets PD Promotion Process in Place

With unanimous approval, Oradell has joined the few towns in Bergen County that have adopted a Police Promotion Procedure to the rolls. The new ordinance officially outlines the process for officers to be elevated to the rank of sergeant, lieutenant, captain and chief.

Previously, the borough followed an unofficial set of rules and regulations that were drafted by the police themselves. The new process stipulates how and when an officer could expect to move through the ranks and have ample opportunity for promotion.

"I want to thank the council for adopting the promotional ordinance so that we can move ahead with getting the police department fully staffed with supervisory personnel," Council President and Police Department liaison James Koth said. "We are in the minority of towns in Bergen County that have an ordinance in place, but this process provides many benefits."

The Oradell Police Table of Organization calls for one Chief, one Captain, one Lieutenant, five Sergeants, one Detective Sergeant, one Detective and 13 patrolmen.

The department is currently lacking a Captain, two Sergeant's and one Detective and to fill any of those positions through promotions, would drop the number of patrolmen from its current 14-man roster.

"Every rank in the PBA contract and Table of Organization are contained in here, whether we fill that position or not," Koth previously said. " We have not moved forward with any promotions other than chief since this process began. This is about creating a fair, equitable process for officers to move into these positions."

Once the borough opts to move forward with any promotions in the department, Chief Frank Florio would post an announcement along with a list of all eligible officers. Any interested candidates would then be advised to notify Florio of their participation in the process. Any officers that may be on extended leave or vacation would be notified as well regarding the opening.

To be eligible for promotion to sergeant, an officer must have first served as a patrolman for five years. Sergeant's can move up to lieutenant after one year and to captain after one year as a lieutenant. Officers who have served as a sergeant for eight years or a lieutenant or captain for one year are eligble to advance to the role of Chief.

The ranks of detective and detective sergeant will be added later this spring to allow Chief Frank Florio and the Public Safety Committee additional time to complete the procedures.

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