COURT HOUSE –– County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor announced Dec. 18 that he has assigned Prosecutor’s Office personnel to monitor, review and oversee the operations of the Sea Isle City Police Department.

Lt. Eugene Taylor, who heads the Special Operations and Planning Section of the Prosecutor’s Office and Detective Mark Weeks, recently retired from the New Jersey State Police as a Major, who was Commander of Troop “A”, which covers all of Southern New Jersey, have been assigned to this responsibility.

These two highly experienced and knowledgeable detectives will review the operations, rules and regulations and policies of the department. The assignment will commence immediately for an unknown duration.

The day-to-day operations and control of the department shall remain with Acting Chief Michael Cook and the regular chain of command.

“Due to the recent events involving the Chief of Police (William Kennedy) and others in the police department, I believe it is necessary to take this step to restore public confidence in the department and the men and women who serve as officers as well as to ensure that basic police standards are met,” Taylor said.

Taylor and Chief of County Detectives James Rybicki met with Mayor Leonard Desiderio and City Solicitor Paul Baldini yesterday to explain and discuss this decision. A copy of the letter to the Mayor and Council is attached.

“Mayor Desiderio and I met with the Acting Chief and available members of the police department yesterday evening at the change of shifts to inform the officers of the decision and what was expected of them,” Taylor said.

This decision is not intended to reflect negatively on the Acting Chief or the rank and file members of the Sea Isle City Police Department

Below is a copy of Taylor’s letter to Sea Isle City officials:

RE: Sea Isle City Police Department

Dear Mayor and Council:

In light of some recent problems being experienced by the Sea Isle City Police Department, I have decided to temporarily assign Lt. Eugene Taylor of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office to be a monitor for your department.

The day-to-day operations and control of the department shall remain with Acting Chief/Captain Michael Cook and the regular chain of command. However, I hereby direct that Acting Chief/Captain Cook and all members of the Police Department shall fully cooperate with and follow the directives of Lt. Taylor and any personnel from the Prosecutor’s Office assigned during this period of the Police Department being monitored.

I make this decision as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the County under N.J.S.A. 2A:158-5, 52:17B-112b, and applicable decisional law and after consultation with the Attorney General’s Office.

By copy of this letter to the Acting Chief/Captain, I am directing that a copy of this letter be placed on the Department’s bulletin board.

It is my intention to meet with the Acting Chief/Captain and members of the Department to announce this decision.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Very truly yours,

Robert L. Taylor
County Prosecutor