Toms River Police Chief Mitchell Little has filed a civil lawsuit against the Township of Toms River, alleging that his 2-day suspension in April was invalid and retaliatory. The suspension came amidst a heated dispute between Chief Little and Mayor Daniel Rodrick over the mayor’s plan to cut two police captain positions.
Chief Little, who has served the department for 38 years and as chief for 10 years, was vocal in his opposition to the proposed cuts. On March 25, Mayor Rodrick served him with a suspension notice, citing “important issues of concern” but omitting a hearing date, as required by state law.
In the lawsuit, Chief Little argues that the suspension notice was invalid and that no hearing has been held despite the 30-day statutory requirement.
