Stafford Police Department Chief

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Imelda Matchett

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Aug 3, 2024, 4:22:01 PM8/3/24

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Beginning July 1, the Stafford resident has a much-wider, statewide role, as president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) for a one-year term. His main objective: Continue to reduce the polarization between law enforcement and New Jersey communities while building bridges that enhance understanding, cooperation and communication.

For example, in his leadership role with the NJSACOP, he was involved in a committee that is educating New Jersey about the emergency 988 line. On July 16, 988 will become the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for crisis and suicide prevention, replacing the 1-800 number the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline uses.

Dellane is also focused on proposed legislation regulating marijuana use for police officers. Under current law, law enforcement is permitted to use recreational cannabis during off-work hours. The NJSACOP has been vocally opposed, calling for the state Legislature to close this loophole as part of efforts to maintain the public trust.

Another issue of concern is the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), designed to ensure transparency in government by providing easy access to public information. Dellane is a strong supporter of OPRA when it is used correctly. But some private attorneys have been abusing the system, using the police staff to research vehicle accidents and providing information that could be potentially used to secure clients and settlements.

Dellane, who earned a law degree from Rutgers-Camden in 2008, is also chairman of the policy board of the Middle Atlantic Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network, part of a regional information sharing system.

Moreover, Dellane is heavily involved with the On P.O.I.N.T. (Proactive Outreach In Needs and Treatment) program in Stafford, in which the department works closely with social workers to provide emergency mental health services for the public. The program addresses the high volume of mental health, substance abuse and social service related calls and incidents that use a considerable volume of police and emergency resources. The program was launched in Stafford and has quickly grown to nine other municipalities.

"Throughout his career, and specifically during his tenure as Chief of Police, Chief Thomas Dellane has consistently implemented innovative and effective Departmental policies, while working together with other Township Departments as well as outside agencies, to ensure the safety of the Township and its residents," township officials shared in a social media post.

As chief, Dellane had several accomplishments, including the implementation of the mental health program On P.O.I.N.T. and achieving New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police (NJASCOP) accreditation - both of which he told Patch were his goals when he first started the job.

"Chief Thomas Dellane's dedication to the Stafford Township Police Department and the residents of the Township of Stafford is unparalleled, and his desire to constantly improve the services his department provides will be incredibly missed by all Township employees and community members alike," officials said.

The police union in Stafford says its police department is in jeopardy of losing a million dollars in funding and the loss would put the city's safety in danger. FOX 26's Damali Keith has more on the update.

The outgoing chief started his career in 1985 as a special police officer in Seaside Park and was hired by Stafford as a Class I officer on August 31, 1987. He rose through the ranks and became the chief seven and a half years ago.

In an exclusive interview, Dellane termed one of his proudest achievements as more of an agency accomplishment. The implementation of the On P.O.I.N.T. (Proactive Outreach In Needs and Treatment) program has expanded and is now used in 12 other towns.

When Dellane served as a captain, he collaborated with licensed clinical social worker Meghan Corrigan, who Dellane credited with originating the concept of the On P.O.I.N.T program. Through a partnership with Bright Harbor, this initiative has effectively decreased the recurrence of calls related to mental health, substance abuse, and social service matters. Social workers offer follow-up assistance to individuals in need, aiming to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system or reliance on acute and emergency services.

While the On P.O.I.N.T. program aims to provide assistance to individuals before they reach their crisis points, it has also led to an increased focus among local police officers on de-escalating situations. Dellane highlighted that the Stafford Police Department is certified by ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement), indicating that officers are trained to intervene effectively to prevent harm and foster a supportive law enforcement culture.

Stafford was among the first 75 agencies nationwide to receive this certification. All local officers receive extensive training, with ongoing instruction to maintain certification, including communication and de-escalation training conducted by certified instructors.

In his role as chief, Dellane said he has hired over half of the current police department, which is authorized for 60 officers and will be three short upon his retirement. A local ordinance requires the governing body to select his successor as an officer who has served in a supervisory position within the department for at least five years. Two captains, Jim Haldenwang and Ken Schiattarella, and Sergeant Jay Costello meet the requisite criteria.

Worldwide Reach In addition to his role within the law enforcement community, Dellane holds a law degree from Rutgers University and is a licensed attorney. He appears to have an exceptional ability to digest and convey the intricacies of policy changes, including their formation.

As one of 20 chiefs assigned to a committee within the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Dellane has contributed to the development of model policies globally. Having recently completed his term as the president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Dellane views his involvement as a platform to advocate for issues impacting law enforcement at a statewide level.

A proponent of transparency, Dellane has also pushed for reform of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), noting its misuse by certain individuals to the extent of harassment. For example, he highlighted instances where commercial entities obtain motor vehicle action reports through OPRA to pass on to attorneys for solicitation requests.

The retiring chief said he adapted the same philosophy at the statewide level, focusing on trying to make law enforcement in New Jersey a better place. His dedication to that cause will persist in his capacity as the Immediate Past President of the state chiefs association.

The Stafford Township Police Department located at 260 East Bay Avenue was officially recognized in 1963 as the agency responsible for the peace and good order of the township ensuring a great quality of life for the residents, visitors, and those who work in the community. Although policing has changed dramatically over the years the same commitment to protect and serve still exists today.

It is the mission of the Stafford Township Police Department, a local law enforcement agency in southern Ocean County to protect and serve the general public, residents and visitors alike. In addition to providing general police protection the Stafford Township Police Department is committed to excellence, respect for persons and service.

Utilizing the mission statement, character and values as our guide, the Stafford Township Police Department will employ our collective technical, economic and human resources to be the most progressive and effective police department in the State of New Jersey. Our focus will include the expansion and integration of appropriate services designed to meet the needs of a changing society. In addition, we will develop or collaborate in new and integrated services designed to meet the special needs of this community.

We remain committed to measuring and achieving the highest possible levels of performance from ourselves and our organization while adhering to our motto Supra Ultraque "Above and Beyond." We strive continually and together to excel in the eyes of the public and the community in general.

We strive to provide personalized and caring services to the public every day. Expeditious response times to all police matters, general and emergent and professional delivery of services are extremely important and of top priority to this organization.

Ms. Stafford served as the Chief of Police at The George Washington University in Washington, DC from 1992-2010. During her 26 year distinguished career in the law enforcement and the security industry, she served as a police officer, Sergeant, Assistant Chief, and Chief. She worked in Campus Law Enforcement for 23 years at Bucknell University, Butler University, and most recently, at the George Washington University, where she served as Chief of Police for a 176 member police department for 18 years. Chief Stafford is a Certified Litigation Specialist.

Chief Stafford served on the board of the Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators for Delaware, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia and served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President and President from 1995-1997. She has been an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police since 1992.

Chief Stafford is a nationally-recognized expert on compliance with the Clery Act and has conducted countless Clery Act training sessions on the topic for various organizations, including IACLEA, NACUBO, the Stetson Law Conference, Security on Campus, Inc. (a.k.a. the Clery Center); and other video/teleconference training companies.

Chief Stafford has been a featured speaker in many other areas of federal compliance and campus safety and security for the American Council on Education (ACE); American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU); NASPA-Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education (NASPA); the National Association of College & University Attorneys (NACUA); the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO); University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA); Stetson University College of Law; the National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals (NACCOP), and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA).