DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd has released an official statement addressing recent media coverage and clarifying the Town of Dover’s ongoing legal dispute with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the reinstatement of a civilian Public Safety Director position.
Mayor Dodd emphasized that the matter “has nothing to do with keeping a title, saving a position, or protecting any one individual,” but instead concerns a legal interpretation of state law—specifically whether municipalities are permitted to employ a civilian Public Safety Director instead of a traditional police chief.
According to Dodd, a temporary order issued by Judge Minkowitz was based on “a misrepresentation of case law by Prosecutor Carroll,” asserting that the court was not initially provided with relevant legal precedent supporting the town’s position. He noted that Dover will now have the opportunity to present that precedent, which “makes clear that municipalities have the authority to employ a civilian Public Safety Director.”
“We are confident the Court will correct the record once it considers the full body of law that was omitted from the Prosecutor’s initial presentation,” Dodd stated.
The mayor explained that the ordinance adopted by the town seeks to restore order, accountability, and civilian oversight within Dover’s public safety structure. He argued that the previous elimination of the Public Safety Director position in 2020 left the department “fragmented and inefficient,” citing ongoing concerns about enforcement, quality-of-life issues, supervision, and overtime costs.
“Our ordinance restores accountability and professional management to a system that desperately needs it,” Dodd said. “Dover deserves responsible oversight and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”
Mayor Dodd concluded by expressing confidence in the legal process, saying he believes the court will ultimately determine that Dover’s approach “is not only lawful but the right way forward for our community.”
