Lavallette Hopes to Hire At Least 12 Seasonal Police Officers; Other Summer Prep Continues

Lavallette police car. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

After facing several years of shortages as law enforcement jobs have become less in-demand in New Jersey given a number of factors, Lavallette is aiming to hire 10 special officers this summer to augment the 13 full-time, sworn officers serving the borough.

“We’re hiring two Class IIs and hopefully ten Class Is,” said Borough Administrator John O. Bennett.

Class II special officers retain most of the same policing powers as full-time officers and carry weapons. Class I special officers are unarmed and have limited police powers, but can issue summonses, enforce parking rules, command valid police orders and handle administrative tasks that normally would require an officer to be taken off the road or paid overtime if his or her shift ends with work still yet to be completed.

---

Get Daily Island News Updates Your email address:* Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

“We’re trying to make sure we have sufficient policing,” said Bennett.

Bennett said the borough is also still looking for lifeguards, badge checkers and employees to work in the beach badge office. More information on these jobs is available on the borough’s employment website.

Finally, Bennett said the borough’s basketball courts will be resurfaced before the season.

“It will hopefully make it more safe because it’s looking a little rough there right now,” he opined.