Borough Council Approves Measure To Increase Police Force by One

Matthew Hersh

Princeton Borough Council last week unanimously approved a resolution that will increase the Princeton Borough Police force to 33 officers.

The new officer, Edison Township native Luis Navas, was given a conditional offer of employment on November 1, but that offer was pending the successful completion of medical, psychological exams, and police academy training. Mr. Navas has since completed those requirements and was hired Monday as a probationary patrol officer.

"This candidate was an excellent one," Councilwoman Peggy Karcher said. Among the skills that strengthened his candidacy, she added, was his ability to speak Spanish.

"I think the particular thing about him that appealed to me is that he is comfortable in a number of situations because his upbringing was in a very eclectic community," she said in an implicit reference to the Borough's current dealings with gang- and race-related issues. Edison Township boasts a population of about 100,000 and is exceedingly diverse in ethnic background.

The Borough's hiring of Mr. Navas, however, can be terminated at any time during the one-year probationary period should Council need to reduce the police force, and several members of Council made sure to mention that qualification. The Borough has long looked at budgetary cuts to mitigate the sting of tax hikes, but did not want to cut the police force to fewer than 32. If the additional officer proves too expensive, Council can terminate employment and bring the force back to its former count.

Councilman Andrew Koontz, a long-time opponent of police reduction, said a force of less than 32 officers would create a difficult situation for Police Chief Charles Davall in redistributing force administrative assignments.

"Once you start getting down around 30 and 29 [officers], a more thorough discussion would have to take place about where our priorities are in regard to public safety," he said.

Mayor Joe O'Neill said discussions have yet to be held about administrative changes in the police force. Borough Police have been working without a contract since December 31, 2003. The Township, which had also been without contract, agreed to a four-year contract last week with the Police Benevolent Association Local 130.

Under the 2003 terms, Officer Navas will receive a $45,920 salary during his probationary first year.