By Barbara A. Preston | Posted Dec. 4, 2024
Mayor Neena Singh and Montgomery Township Committee unanimously appointed Silvio Bet to the rank and position of chief of police on Nov. 14.
From left: Kelly Bet pins the police chief badge on her husband — Chief Silvio Bet.
Bet, a longtime veteran of the Montgomery Police Department, was already leading the department. However, his rank was captain and his position was director. For many years, the leader of the Montgomery Township Police Department was referred to as a director.
Some people were confused by this, according to Montgomery Police Lt. Kurt Rock.
“Police recruits would question us. Why don’t you have a chief of police? It almost looked like we had a problem, when we didn’t,” Lt. Rock told The Montgomery News.
“Police recruitment is on the decline nationwide,” he added. “We want to show that we have a positive culture and supportive community. We want to be a destination police force.”
The title of “director” raises questions and confusion. “We always had to explain why we didn’t have a chief,” he said.
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According to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the “appointment of a civilian police director in the place of a sworn chief of police is a politically and emotionally charged issue.”
There can be limitations of authority. A civilian director may not necessarily perform police duties including conducting motor vehicle stops, engaging in patrol activities, answering calls for service and stopping or detaining individuals.
A civilian director may not wear a uniform or badge or carry a firearm, nor may he or she operate a motor vehicle that is equipped as a police car, including police band radios. Likewise, they have no powers of arrest and may not issue firearms permits.
However, in Montgomery, the township leaders had always appointed directors who had served as police officers, and who had worked up the ladder to the top.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Bet said, “Tonight we celebrate the reinstatement of the chief of police title, an honor that has not been held in almost 25 years. This comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Township Police Department."
Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet gets a standing ovation during his installation in his new role at the township committee meeting on November 14.
“While I may wear the title of chief of police, this achievement belongs to each and every officer and staff member of our department, [whose] commitment to excellence has earned the trust of our community and of the township committee. This reinstatement symbolizes a commitment to elevating our department’s culture for the greater good," Bet said.
“To our dedicated police officers and civilian staff, this milestone reflects your collective strength and resilience. Your continued commitment to excellence in law enforcement, and to the values and mission of this department. Together, we have gained the confidence of reinstating this title, and I am humbled to lead a team that rises by lifting each other.”
From left: Montgomery Township Administrator Lori Savron (seated), Committeewoman Patricia Taylor Todd, Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan, Mayor Neena Singh, Chief Silvio Bet, Committeewoman Devra Keenan, Committeeman Dennis Ahn, and Lt. Kurt Rock.
Committee member Patricia Taylor Todd congratulated Chief Bet. She said police work is important, noting that she is from a law enforcement family. “I know how important it is to have the chief title, and I will be very excited to give you the honor that you deserve.”
Mayor Singh fully endorsed the title of “chief.” She said, “I believe that because of all the efforts that Capt. Bet has brought to the PD, Montgomery is one of the safest places to live.
Committee member Devra Keenan wanted to be the first person to congratulate the newly minted Chief Bet.
“I am proud to see you as the chief. This is a great day for Montgomery. We did this for you, but also for our officers, future officers, and future leaders in our police department. ■
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