Discontent is brewing in Toms River, with residents planning a massive turnout at the Council’s next meeting to protest against funding cuts to the Toms River Police Department.
“The newly elected mayor and those on his ticket have decided… to cut staffing at the police department,” a message spreading on social media says.
“He is cutting command staff in half, deleting two captain positions, as well as cutting a number of patrol officers and the civilian public relations officer.”
Residents accuse Mayor Dan Rodrick of ignoring a 2021 efficiency report that found the Toms River Police Department’s executive command staff structure is “lean and efficient.”
“Reducing law enforcement positions in a department that is already understaffed by approximately 30 officers… is not a smart government decision – it is reckless,” the message reads.
Residents are now planning to pack the January 31st Council meeting to show their support for the police department and to decry the new mayor’s planned cuts.