WOOLWICH TWP. – The Woolwich Township Committee voted to end the shared police department service agreement with Swedesboro and South Harrison Township at their November 2024 meeting.
The township said, though, that they are still open for negotiations. “We are still open to creating a new, fair agreement for all parties, but we have limited time since we need to take the formal steps to separate the courts by July 1, 2025,” stated Woolwich Township Mayor Natalie Matthias.
Matthias said that the shared service agreement was extended until June 30, 2025 to avoid affecting Swedesboro crossing guards who are part of the shared service agreement.
In June 2024, Matthais stated that Woolwich notified Swedesboro and South Harrison Township that the shared service agreement would have to be negotiated because of increases in pension, heath care and other areas. The prior agreement had a two percent annual rate adjustment.
Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm stated, “There will not be any interruption of police service in town.” He did not elaborate further on negotiations at this time.
South Harrison Township Mayor Joe Marino echoed this. “I can’t discuss sensitive negotiations in public, but I can [assure] you that there will be no interruption in police coverage in South Harrison.”
The Woolwich Township Police Department has been patrolling Swedesboro for 15 years and South Harrison Township since 2019. Prior to that, Swedesboro had their own police department. According to Marino, prior to entering into a very successful shared service agreement, South Harrison had its own police department from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. New Jersey State Police responded in off hours.
“It is worth noting that South Harrison has been very pleased with Woolwich Police services, leadership, and community policing over past five years. To my knowledge there have been no complaints from either party during [the] full term of the agreement,” Marino stated.
“South Harrison has tried in good faith to negotiate with Woolwich’s Township Committee’s demands in renewing the shared service. Woolwich Township Committee elected to adopt a resolution terminating the agreement in lieu of a financial impasse.”
He continued, “South Harrison would welcome a new agreement that is financially proportionate to the services South Harrison taxpayers require. In the interim we will continue to explore options to best serve our residents with safety and security our resident expect.”
Despite the reduced coverage area, Woolwich’s Matthias said that no officers will be laid off. “We will manage this through natural attrition,” stated Matthias. “The Woolwich Police Department will continue to provide excellent law enforcement services to our residents.”
By Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher
