West Wildwood Police Department Faces Staffing Crisis Amid Calls to Preserve Local Force

West Wildwood — The West Wildwood Police Department is critically understaffed, operating with only five officers despite the 2025 municipal budget funding nine full-time and two part-time positions. Police Chief Jackie Ferentz is currently on leave pending retirement, and oversight of the department has shifted to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. Borough officials have not acted to fill vacancies despite a waiting list of applicants, raising significant concerns about officer safety and department effectiveness. The police union has flagged the failure to hire as a risk to public safety and suspects leadership may be allowing the department to dissolve without formal action. Residents have mobilized to preserve the police department, emphasizing the importance of a local force for community safety and personalized service. The borough’s Board of Commissioners is scheduled to address the issue during a meeting on June 6.