Cariddi Reinstated as Police Chief Following Investigation

After a full review by the River Edge Mayor and Council, Police Chief Thomas Cariddi was reinstated during the Sine Die meeting to close out the borough's business for the year. Cariddi took a three months ago following an alleged domestic abuse claim which was investigated by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

No charges were filed relating to the incident but Cariddi was required to turn over his duty and personal weapon to the Prosecutor's Office. At this time, the Prosecutor's Office still retains Cariddi's weapons until Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli decides to return them.

In a report to NorthJersey.com, Molinelli has stated that “the gun can only be returned with permission of our office, and that has not been done yet.” Molinelli continued that the weapons “will not be returned any time soon, in my judgment.”

As part of the terms for his return Cariddi was docked two weeks of vacation and urged to seek counseling, according to Council President Paul Cordts.

Currently restricted to "administrative functions" Cariddi and the police department will turn its focus for 2012 on the completion of a hiring process for two new patrol officers.

Lt. Michael Walker brought five candidates to the council this past month for interviews and a decision could be made sometime in late January.