Apr 23, 2008 7:13 am US/Eastern
Irvington Cop Shortage Leaves Dept. Vulnerable
IRVINGTON, N.J. (CBS) ―
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has just filed murder charges against a man who allegedly killed a Rutgers University student and wounded an Irvington police officer.
Now, officers in Irvington say they're under attack after two of their own have been shot and wounded in separate attacks in the past month. "The Township of Irvington needs the police department – needs more police officers – needs to see them when they call for help," said Policeman's Benevolent Association President Harold Wallace.
The head of the police union in Irvington says the department doesn't have enough officers and that it is so understaffed that it can't deal with the kind of violence that's taking over the community.
"We're a target for anyone who wants to take a shot at us," said Wallace.
This past weekend, Sergeant John Van Bavel was shot and wounded by a man as he sat in a marked SUV. Police arrested suspect Shaquan Johnson on Monday.
"Immediately after I was shot I drove a hundred yards from where I was to get out of the way so he didn't have a chance to fire again. I was calling for help the entire time," said Van Bavel.
Union members say they're about 45 police officers short, placing the public and the lives of officers like Van Bavel in danger. The mayor says understaffing is an ongoing problem, despite the presence of the state police. Irvington plans on taking action.
"As the budget allows we will be bringing on officers," said Mayor Wayne Smith.
One of the people retiring will be Van Bavel, who was scheduled to do so in four months.
"We face it every night. I've been on midnight for 24 years. Any time you work you never know what's going to happen," said Van Bavel.
Police officers plan on holding a rally on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at the Ukrainian Center in Irvington.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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