River Vale, New Jersey

On April 3, 1930, the River Vale Township Committee passed an ordinance creating the River Vale Police Department. The ordinance called for the appointment of a Chief of Police and as many special officers as may be required for the enforcement of the law. At the time, the population of River Vale was 871. A 1953 ordinance established the police department as it exists now, with full-time, salaried police officers. As River Vale became more of a residential community, the population began to increase. The size of the police department increased along with the population. By 1964, the department had grown to 13 full-time police officers. The regular officers were assisted by the River Vale Police Reserves during times of emergencies. The Police Reserves, which usually had a membership of 6-10 volunteers, was disbanded in the early 1980's. Although the population has grown to over 10,500, the size of the police department remains at the manpower level established 25 years ago with 20 officers. In addition to the current police officers, there have been 35 other officers employed by the Township. Fifteen of these officers have retired from the department after 25-37 years of service. The remaining 21 officers either resigned, were dismissed, or transferred to other law enforcement agencies. As we enter the new millennium, the River Vale Police Department will continue its mission, "to provide the highest quality of service to its residents".