When outgoing New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill in January of this year removing of law enforcement authority of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA), the reporting and investigation of animal cruelty were transferred to local municipalities.
The NJSPCA’s loss of its policing authority took effect August 1st. NJSA 4:22-14.1 et seq. set the regulations for municipalities to appoint a Humane Law Enforcement Officer. This officer would be responsible for the investigation of violations of law regarding animal cruelty within the borough.
Resolution 253-18, which was approved by the governing body on September 6th, appointed Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) officer Greg Polakoski as Roselle Park’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer.
Officer Polakoski will be the person who will investigate reports of animal cruelty in Roselle Park. There will be no additional salary or stipend for the position.
Anyone who wishes to report an incident of animal cruelty can call the Roselle Park police station at (908) 245-2300.