River Vale Police Department

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 1980s. Although the population has grown to over 10,500, the size of the police department remains at the manpower level established 25 ...