West Wildwood Weighs Future of Local Police Force

West Wildwood, New Jersey -- Residents packed a recent public meeting over growing concerns that the borough could disband its struggling police department and turn to a neighboring municipality for law enforcement. Officials say a report commissioned by the borough recommends dissolving the force due to ongoing staffing problems and rising operational costs. The borough has seen 24 officers leave in just over four years, and its current roster is well below what’s needed. As of this summer, officials had hoped to have six officers and one part-time Class II officer. Instead, multiple officers have left, including the department’s most senior member and two recruits in the police academy. The remaining officers, borough leaders said, are overworked and in need of support. With only limited promotional opportunities and lower wages than larger departments, the borough continues to face difficulty in attracting and keeping qualified officers. The current police chief is on leave pending retirement, further compounding the issue. Maintaining the department at full staffing levels would require significant tax increases. Borough officials estimate a 42-cent increase in the tax rate for 2026 and 18.5 cents more in 2027. For a home assessed at $263,000, that would amount to over $1,100 in the first year alone. Despite those costs, many residents remain opposed to outsourcing policing services, expressing concern that an outside agency may be unable to provide the same level of attention and response. The next borough meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 9 a.m.