Earlier this year the Lakewood Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit was audited by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.
This audit was the result of a complaint they received regarding “it’s operations, failure to complete investigations, as well as failure to provide the information necessary for the annual public report”.
As result, issues were revealed and the Ocean County Prosecutors Office made several recommendations. Including the assignment of experienced investigative personnel.
The Lakewood Police Department recognizes that effective police service depends heavily on the quality of its leadership, the officers who serve and citizen confidence.
It was with that in mind that we have welcomed the suggested practices from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and have already made significant changes, including the reassignment of personnel.
The unit is now commanded by Lt Gregory Staffordsmith, an 18 year veteran who has spent the majority of his career conducting or supervising investigations. Additional investigative personnel will be added accordingly.
I want to thank the residents of Lakewood for their continued support and I look forward to continuing to provide quality service to all.