OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM TEDESCO
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE JIM TEDESCO
HACKENSACK, N.J. – Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III releases the following statement on the August 14th agreement ratified by Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton and the unions representing Bergen County Police officers (PBA Local 49) and Sheriff and Correction officers (PBA Local 134):
“I thank Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton and the leadership of PBA Local 49 and PBA Local 134 for their tireless efforts in helping to achieve this shared service for the residents of Bergen County. This landmark agreement which will join two former police forces under one union, PBA 134, and one chain of command will further streamline efficiencies, reduce duplication of services, enhance police services, and continue to save taxpayers money. As County Executive, I remain committed that the County of Bergen will continue to be a leader in creating innovative and cost-saving shared service opportunities with our municipal partners and other counties around the state,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III.
Shortly after taking office, County Executive Tedesco brought together the Bergen County Sheriff, the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Bergen County Prosecutor to spearhead the consolidation of the County’s two law enforcement agencies under one authority. In February 2015, the Freeholders ratified the realignment of the Bergen County Police Department into a newly created Bureau of Police Services under control of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, saving residents close to $19,000,000 to date and $200,000,000 anticipated over 25 years.
Tedesco also reiterated that “my administration will continue to make the difficult decisions that ensure the best outcome and long-term benefits for Bergen County residents. In doing what is right for the people of Bergen County, despite obstacles and uncertainty, we will continue to make Bergen County the place where businesses want to be, where folks want to live and where we all share a quality of life matched by no other County. We are Bergen County strong.”
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