NEWS

Stolen police badge found in Millville park

Joseph P. Smith
@jpsmith_dj

MILLVILLE - The discovery of a police lieutenant’s stolen shield in a park where drug users congregate put the City Commission on the defensive Tuesday night, as residents demanded full disclosure of what other equipment criminals have stolen from off-duty police.

Millville Mayor Michael Santiago tells residents Tuesday night that more disclosure in cases involving the theft of police equipment is a good idea.

Sharp Street resident Evangeline Broomall told commissioners she was part of a group of volunteers picking up trash in Capt. Joseph Buck Park on Saturday. The group came across the badge amid a collection of syringes and drug package wrappings under a bridge at Vine Street.

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“What else is out there on these streets?” Broomall asked commissioners.

Broomall raised the possibility of people impersonating police to take advantage of residents.

“We need more disclosure about things going on in our city,” resident Robert Barrett agreed.

The police department two weeks ago confirmed to The Daily Journal that firearms and other unspecified items were stolen from the homes of two police officers. The officers were not identified, nor were details released on when and how the crimes took place.

This Millville police badge was found during a volunteer cleanup of a city park over the weekend. The lieutenant's badge was found lying amid drug-related trash. The badge apparently was among items stolen in a burglary of an officer's home, but its theft was not disclosed.

Mayor Michael Santiago, who oversees the police department, said the matter would be taken up Wednesday with police Chief Jody Farabella. He said more disclosure in such cases was not a bad idea if “it’s not going to interfere” with investigations.

“And I fully understand what you’re saying,” said Santiago, a retired city police officer. “Who knows if somebody shows up at your door and has a uniform on? I fully understand that.”

On Wednesday, Santiago said his understanding is that no other police items are missing.

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After the meeting, Barrett said it was a while before it became clear the badge was genuine.

The Daily Journal was told Tuesday night that no police uniforms are missing.

This story was updated on Wednesday.

Joseph P. Smith; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com