Mahwah Council Postpones Vote On New Police Chief

MAHWAH, NJ — The Town Council postponed voting on Capt. Steven Jaffe's appointment to police chief Thursday night.

Mayor John Roth selected Jaffe to replace Chief James Batelli as the new head of the police department. The council was slated to vote on the appointment, but the vote was tabled so officials could obtain more information and make an informed decision.

Council President David May said the decision to postpone the vote "had nothing to do" with Jaffe.

"The council has the utmost respect for Capt. Jaffe and his service to the township," May said.

Roth only confirmed that Jaffe was not confirmed and that the council "postponed the decision."

"You will have to ask them why," Roth said.

May said the council "appreciates the efforts of Mayor Roth and looks forward to continuing a positive working relationship."

• See related: Mayor Appoints Capt. To Replace Retiring Mahwah Police Chief

Batelli is retiring Thursday after 41 years with the department. If appointed, Jaffe, the department's second-in-command, would have started as chief Friday.

"Capt. Jaffe was selected because brings the most extensive command experience and accomplishments to the position of chief of all the candidates evaluated," Roth previously said in a statement. "I believe he is the leader that would be highly competent and trustworthy and that I and future mayors could rely on him to always represent the best interests of Mahwah in discharging his duties."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com