The department would fluctuate in size from its largest in history of thirty-one officers, to as few as twenty-two officers. As economic times changed, the challenge would be to maintain the level of service with less resources. The always-present danger of policing would become a reality as two police officers would be shot. The face of the city would change, and so too the police department as the first female officer joined its ranks.
The chief remained the head of the department with three captains each having a division. In 1980, the three divisions were patrol, traffic, and administration / detective. By 1995, the downsizing of the police department would eliminate one captain's position and merge patrol and traffic. Five different men would hold the position of chief, the same number as had held the position over the previous eighty years.
While the basic police training became standard, in service training expanded. The creation of new domestic violence laws accompanied by mandatory in service training made the department focus on continual training. The department became more active in seeking and sending officers for training, according to retired Chief James Holovacko. He said the department focused on traffic, drugs, and investigation classes. He felt the number of mandatory training topics such as use of force, hazardous materials, and pursuit driving forced the department to look at training.
The city was shaken on the night of October 30,1983. A suspect shot two South Amboy police officers going to make a routine warrant arrest. The manhunt lasted through the night and involved over a hundred officers. The suspect was eventually captured. While both officers recovered from their injuries, one would retire the other go out on disability.
The department was able to limit its function by obtaining grants to hire crossing guards. These guards freed up officers to handle crime prevention efforts. After the grants expired, the city agreed to keep guards doing the crossings. The department hired dispatchers in the mid 1990's to free officers from that responsibility.
Motor vehicle accidents still involved much of the department's time. Improvements to the state highways, including adding a divider, minimized the severity of the accidents.
The department extended its community relations effort by having officers once again walk a beat on Broadway. The idea was for the police to get to know the shopkeepers and their problems.
While economic times created a decrease in the number of officers, shifting functions to other areas, such as dispatchers and crossing guards allowed maintaining its level of service.
TECHNOLOGY
Efficiency was created with the computerization of records. The new system allowed for accurate data collection and analysis. An upgrade in shotguns allowed for more firepower. Portable radios became standard issue to all officers.
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Research for this section provided courtesy of Jim Ryan
