Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland says the West Wildwood Police Department is facing a manpower crisis.
In response to the current manpower crisis facing the West Wildwood Police Department, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland has requested the immediate assistance of the Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest Police Departments.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the leadership and officers of Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest for answering the call to assist during this time of need. Their commitment to public service and regional cooperation is a reflection of the strong law enforcement community we have in Cape May County,” Sutherland said in a news release Wednesday.
The three neighboring municipalities have agreed to provide necessary manpower and resources to ensure that police services in West Wildwood continue without interruption. The cooperative effort is aimed at preserving public safety while the Borough Commissioners of West Wildwood work to establish a long-term solution to their staffing challenges, Sutherland said.
As the chief law enforcement officer of Cape May County, Sutherland pointed out that he has a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain public safety across all municipalities within the county.
Sutherland noted that since January, there has been a critical reduction in personnel at the West Wildwood Police Department, which has “significantly impacted the department’s ability to ensure public safety.”
He emphasized that this action is temporary and will remain in place until West Wildwood implements a sustainable law enforcement plan.
“Public safety must always remain our top priority. We are working collaboratively to ensure that the residents of West Wildwood receive the protection and service they deserve,” Sutherland said.
