By Sunayana Prabhu
RED BANK – A new video surveillance network will be installed throughout the borough by the end of this year to enhance public safety and aid investigations.
During the Sept. 26 council meeting, the council unanimously authorized the purchase of a new network of indoor and outdoor security camera equipment in the amount of $410,312.45 from Eastern Datacomm.
According to details in the resolution, surveillance cameras will be installed at Riverside Gardens Park, Eastside Park, Count Basie Park, the recycling center, the municipal building, the Boys & Girls Club, Tower Hill, the Red Bank Public Library, the senior center, English Plaza, the White Street parking lot, and Bellhaven playground.
Borough administrator Jim Gant said funding for the system “already existed” through a 2017 grant from the Monmouth County Improvement Authority. Other capital funds the borough previously allocated for cameras in the White Street parking lot were also reallocated to help pay for the new system.
Gant noted that there have been “multiple incidences” in the borough’s parking lots. Monitoring those areas will help protect the community and borough assets and help police when investigating incidents.
The camera systems are “unfortunately necessary,” said council member Ben Forest, liaison to parks and recreation. He has witnessed vandalized bathrooms and damaged solar panels which have resulted in expensive repair bills for the borough.
Gant said library staff requested additional cameras for their property. The new cameras will integrate with existing systems to create a more comprehensive network. The goal is to utilize the camera system to aid law enforcement investigations when needed, rather than actively monitor public spaces around the clock. “I think people can rest assured that it’s not a 24/7 monitoring as far as looking at our public spaces,” Gant said.
Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell Resigns
Former Red Bank Police Chief and interim borough administrator Darren McConnell resigned effective Monday, Sept. 30 to settle charges and avoid litigation following an investigation by the New Jersey Office of Attorney General (NJAG) that recommended his termination on the basis of “unethical” conduct.
The NJAG investigation, led by Brian Melnick, found that McConnell’s conduct concerning his relationship with a subordinate was “unethical” and in “violation” of borough policies. The report further recommended that the former chief be “terminated and not continue in any capacity with the Borough after retirement, including Business Administrator.”
McConnell had announced his retirement from his duties as both interim borough administrator and police chief in July 2023, but allegations of ethical misconduct from the Red Bank Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 39, revealed during a council meeting in August 2023, prompted the state attorney general’s investigation. State rules prohibited McConnell’s retirement during an active investigation. When the investigation report finally came out in February this year, he was suspended by the borough in March.
Confirming his resignation via text message Sept. 30, McConnell said, “To settle the matter without further litigation I agreed to retire effective today.” He added that his “intention was to retire in 2023 before this matter came to light. In recognition of the circumstances and the fact I’ve been on paid suspension since March 1, I agreed to forfeit four months (sic) worth of my sick time payout that is due to me upon retirement.”
In an emailed statement, Gant said the borough had “reached a settlement with McConnell regarding a confidential personnel matter that resulted in disciplinary action.”
The statement on behalf of borough officials said McConnell “was justly penalized for the charges brought against him” while also recognizing that his “misconduct reflected an unfortunate blemish in an otherwise exemplary career.”
With McConnell’s exit, the borough, the police department, and the community are looking forward to the leadership of Capt. Mike Frazee, who has been the de facto chief since McConnell announced his retirement. Frazee will be sworn in as permanent chief Oct. 11 at borough hall.
The article originally appeared in the October 3 – October 9, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
