Freeholders Seeking Input on County Police [POLL]

Bergen County Freeholders want to know what residents think about a plan to merge the Bergen County Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office.

Earlier this month, the freeholders and also voted to put a non-binding referendum on the ballot in November to get public opinion on the issue.

Now, freeholders are going on a "listening tour" around the county and are scheduled to meet at the Wednesday. 

Proponents of the merger have said the cost of operating both the county police and sheriff's office is a large, unnecessary expense for taxpayers. 

County Executive Kathleen Donovan is opposed to the change because it could compromise public safety, she said.

Donovan to block the proposed ordinance that would dissolve the county police. In her suit, Donovan alleges the freeholders did not have the power to dissolve the county police.

The Westwood meeting will be held in the Westwood Community Center at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Do you think the county police and the sheriff's office should merge? Share your opinion in the poll and comments below.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.