Somerset Sheriff: Building Partnerships Is Vital

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—The Somerset County Sheriff said his officers can provide important assistance as well as a strong supplement to local law enforcement during a Bernards town hall event Thursday night.

Sheriff Darrin Russo, speaking with township committee candidates Jon Sandler and Sophia Chadda, explained how the Coronavirus pandemic has changed his department and how he plans to use unexpected resources throughout the county.

"Sometimes the courts aren't so busy, the jail isn't so busy," the sheriff said, "and we can get those officers out into the community."

Russo cited prisoner transports as a good example of the reforms he's brought to the job during a turbulent first year in office that featured the pandemic and mass demonstrations against police brutality.

"If a [local police] prisoner has to go to the hospital," Russo said, "we'll send someone down to relieve the [local] officer. Once we have the paperwork, there's no reason why we can't take control of that prisoner and let the [local] officer get back on the road in his community."

Sandler, the co-host, saw additional benefits to the sheriff's plans.

"That preserves municipal resources and lets the sheriff's department do what the department does," the candidate added.

Sheriff Russo said his officers were deployed across the county, including in Basking Ridge, during the recent tropical storm, helping local police with patrols as well as providing security around downed wires and trees.

Last month, the K-9 unit assisted Bernards police with an arrest, and Russo said he anticipates even more cooperation between his office and municipal police, and wants Basking Ridge residents to know his officers are out there and ready to help.

"We're here," the sheriff said, "and I'm here for the community. If you have any questions, call. We can talk and I'll listen to your concerns. You're my boss."